Home / Crime and Justice / Hitchcock Embezzlement: $700K Seized Amid Gambling Probe
Hitchcock Embezzlement: $700K Seized Amid Gambling Probe
26 Jun
Summary
- Galveston County Sheriff's Office seized over $700,000 from Hitchcock.
- Investigation linked to illegal game rooms and city financial practices.
- Affidavit indicates city benefited financially from illicit gambling operations.
Galveston County Sheriff's Office executed a seizure of over $700,000 from the City of Hitchcock earlier this week, impacting the city's primary bank account. City Manager Marie Gelles confirmed the amount seized was $721,408.11, assuring residents that the city has sufficient resources to meet its financial obligations, including payroll. The city intends to pursue the recovery of these funds.
The seizure is connected to a months-long investigation into illegal game rooms operating within Hitchcock. In February, Sheriff Jimmy Fullen announced the confiscation of over 700 machines from 20 locations and more than 30 arrests, including Mayor Chris Armacost. An affidavit detailed how the city allegedly required game room operators to pay numerous fees, thereby benefiting substantially from illicit gambling revenue.
