Galveston County law enforcement leaders say a large-scale illegal gambling operation uncovered in Hitchcock was far more than small neighborhood game rooms, calling it a criminal enterprise tied to violence, drugs, and organized activity.
Jimmy Fullen, the Galveston County sheriff, said the investigation began after repeated complaints from residents and business owners about illegal gaming operations in the city.
“We had a lot of people calling in to the Sheriff’s Office complaining,” Fullen said. “Local business people, residents, complaining about these illegal gaming operations that were going on in Hitchcock.”
FIRST REPORT: Warrants executed at 20 locations around Hitchcock believed to be involved in illegal gambling operation
According to the sheriff, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office launched a full investigation led by its organized crime task force after complaints continued.
By the numbers
Sheriff Fullen said Wednesday’s operation resulted in:
- 20 game rooms targeted
- 749 gambling machines seized
- $417,752.82 in cash recovered
- 33 arrests
- 8 firearms seized
“This is not just your mom-and-pop gaming place,” Fullen said. “These are criminal enterprises, and we’re going to shut them down.”
As part of the investigation, authorities also executed a search warrant at Hitchcock City Hall, seeking documents and evidence tied to the case.
Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Sergeant Mitchell Stevenson said investigators conducted interviews with several city officials and left with additional documents related to the case.
Sheriff Fullen said investigators believe the city of Hitchcock was generating between $800,000 and $900,000 annually from game room-related revenue, which he said became part of the city’s budget.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say more arrests are expected.
Kenneth Cusick, the Galveston County district attorney, said prosecutors are not limiting the case to clerks or doormen.
“We’re not going to just go after low-level cashiers,” Cusick said. “We’re going for the whole operation.”
Cusick added that his office will prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law and is prepared to work with federal partners if evidence points to crimes such as money laundering or tax violations.
Sheriff Fullen said the gambling locations attracted additional criminal activity, including aggravated assaults, robberies, prostitution, and narcotics trafficking.
“People know these game rooms have a lot of money,” Fullen said. “That brings a criminal element. You saw the weapons that were recovered from some of these places.”
Fullen said authorities may seek federal assistance, including forensic audits, as the investigation expands.
Officials declined to comment on specific allegations involving city officials, citing the ongoing investigation.