HITCHCOCK – New details have been released in connection with last week’s large-scale gambling investigation in Hitchcock.

According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, 33 people were arrested, 749 gambling machines were seized and more than $417,000 was confiscated following a coordinated enforcement operation led by the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force.

The investigation began after the Sheriff’s Office received numerous citizen complaints regarding alleged illegal gambling operations in Hitchcock. Authorities said the task force confirmed 20 establishments were operating within the city.

On Feb. 18, 2026, the task force executed 21 search warrants at multiple locations connected to the operation. One of those locations was Hitchcock City Hall, where investigators sought gambling establishment records, permitting documentation and employment information.

Authorities said one of the establishments identified during the investigation, Comfort Zone Washateria, is owned and operated by Hitchcock Mayor Christopher Armacost.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are likely as detectives continue reviewing seized evidence, including documents collected from City Hall.

Agencies assisting with warrant execution and scene security included the Galveston Police Department, League City Police Department, Texas City Police Department, Galveston County Constable’s Office Precinct 2 and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (409) 766-2333.