HITCHCOCK — More than $721,000 was seized from a City of Hitchcock bank account Tuesday under a warrant connected to an ongoing gambling-related investigation.

The information in this report is based on court records and reporting by i45NOW.

A warrant signed by 10th District Court Judge Rebecca Millo authorized the seizure of funds from a city account at Prosperity Bank in Hitchcock. The warrant was executed by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.

City Manager Marie Gelles confirmed $721,408.11 was taken from the city’s operating account.

“The City of Hitchcock will pursue all available options to recoup the funds,” Gelles said in a statement provided to i45NOW.

Gelles also told i45NOW the city has sufficient resources to meet its financial obligations, including payroll.

Court records state the warrant was based on allegations that funds in the account were tied to revenue collected from businesses operating 8-liner machines in the city.

Court documents indicate the account was believed to contain about $859,000 prior to the seizure.

Records show earlier enforcement actions in Hitchcock included raids at multiple businesses and arrests tied to alleged illegal gambling activity, according to law enforcement information previously reported by i45NOW.

Court documents show Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost faces a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.

Court filings allege cash payouts occurred at a washateria owned by Armacost and his wife. Armacost has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

A court hearing in the case was scheduled Wednesday in Galveston County.