Podcast
Crook County
Hosted by Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts · EN
Ken Tekiela was a celebrated Chicago firefighter and a loving father of two who led a secret double life as a hitman for the Chicago mafia. Is it even possible to keep a life of crime hidden from your wife and kids for two decades? Yes, it is. I know because Ken is my father. In 2013, after a lifetime of deception, he broke down and told me everything, and our whole world changed…
CROOK COUNTY is the shocking true-crime podcast about my father's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit. From whorehouse doorman at the age of 17, to ruthless assassin in his 20's, and the many years that followed covering up crimes for the mafia and crooked cops alike while working as a firefighter/paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. To finally, moving to the suburbs with his new wife and kids and trying desperately to put it all behind him, until it all came crashing down. We explore in great depth and detail my father’s life of crime and its profound and lasting impact on my family to this very day.
From Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts, I’m Kyle Tekiela, welcome to CROOK COUNTY.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Kenny Needs Your Help
Dec 200:05:31Summary readyKenny “The Kid” is facing the most difficult challenge of his life. After years of battling extreme PTSD and mental instability, Ken is now homeless and has been in and out of hospitals for the past year. I have done everything I can to support him—helping with rent, buying his car, paying for utilities, and assisting with his hospital stays—but the challenges have become overwhelming and I'm afraid of what might happen if I can't continue supporting him. Recently, his car was impounded, leaving him without transportation and making it even harder for him to access the care and resources he needs. Right now, I am doing everything I can to get his car out of impound but there's so much more to do. Any new donations will go directly toward supporting Ken’s basic living expenses, such as food, clothes, and shelter. These essentials will give him the stability he desperately needs to focus on his mental health and recovery. Since we released the show, I’ve had thousands of interactions with people who've been touched by Ken’s story. Now, I am humbly reaching out to this impassioned podcast community and beyond, asking for your support. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Ken continue on his journey of recovery and healing from the traumas that haunt him daily. Thank you so much and take care of each other. gofundme.com/crookcountySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Do Not Turn On the Lights
Sep 400:03:30Summary readyWhat do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? Answer: Wisecrack— a 6-part limited series where true crime and stand up comedy take center stage. Available now from Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts. Check out this trailer, and search Wisecrack in your podcast app to follow the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Introducing: Bone Valley, Season 2
May 14, 202500:02:51Summary readyHi, Crook County listeners! iHeartPodcasts & Tenderfoot has a new season of the hit franchise called Bone Valley, hosted by Gilbert King. In 1987, 18-year-old Michelle Schofield was found dead in a phosphate pit in Florida. Two years later, her husband, Leo, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Fifteen years later, previously unidentified fingerprints matched Jeremy Scott--a violent teenager who lived nearby. Jeremy has since confessed to Michelle’s murder. Yet, Leo Schofield remains behind bars. In season 2 of Bone Valley, host Gilbert King turns his focus on Jeremy Scott. He attempts to find out what turned Jeremy into a cold-blooded killer and who else may have suffered his wrath. King is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Devil in the Grove," which led to the exonerations of four innocent men. Tune in to this top-tier True Crime thriller, but don't just take our word for it; check out the trailer to decide for yourself! Listen to Bone Valley on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Apr 10, 202500:43:43Summary readyYour backstage pass to Crook County. In this candid interview, host & producer Kyle Tekiela shares some honest details that were too raw for the show, and talks music, family, burnout, and the making of the podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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8 | The Rear View Mirror
Mar 25, 202500:29:42Summary readyKen's new civilian life has a fiery collision with the underworld resulting in death and destruction. A life full of secrets takes its toll on the family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Mar 18, 202500:30:58Summary readyLike the old saying goes, “Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!”, Ken achieves his goal of becoming a firefighter and paramedic and negotiates his way out of the outfit, but he soon realizes that life as a civilian isn’t as clean as he hoped it would be. Ken and Holly restart their relationship and settle down in the quiet suburbs to try and start a new life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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6 | Fire In The Sky
Mar 11, 202500:32:09Summary readyKenny witnesses American Airlines Flight 191 crashing out of O’Hare Airport killing everyone on board and reveals a newfound purpose. Things take a dark turn when a girl disappears and Ken takes matters into his own hands. The Turf Wars rage in the streets of Chicago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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5 | Bully
Mar 4, 202500:39:11Summary readyWe meet a new mafia boss who gives Ken orders for his first hit. Ken's twin brother Rich shares stories of their troubled youth. Ken discovers a new hobby that helps him cope with his demons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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4 | Keeper Of A House Of Prostitution
Feb 25, 202500:31:10Summary readyKen settles into his new life in The Outfit. We meet the working girls and some more mafia goons, and learn the ins and outs of how a house of prostitution is run. A robbery at the club puts Kenny in The Outfit’s crosshairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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3 | Coming Clean
Feb 18, 202500:33:21Summary readyKen walks us through his current day-to-day as he attempts to atone for his life of crime. Then we dive back into the past to his first years inside the mob -- dealing drugs and helping with collections. We meet to a few key mafia characters like “Old Man” Genarro, the Chop Shop King. Kenny gets his first big promotion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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