Crook County - Episode 3: Coming Clean

Introduction

In Episode 3 of Crook County, titled "Coming Clean" and released on February 18, 2025, host Kyle Tequila delves deeper into the harrowing double life of his father, Kenny Tekiela—a respected Chicago firefighter and secret mafia hitman. This episode marks a pivotal moment in Kyle’s journey to uncover the truths concealed for over two decades, offering listeners an unflinching exploration of crime, addiction, and familial bonds.

Revisiting the Past: Kenny’s Double Life

The episode opens with reflections on Kenny's tumultuous past. At [02:52], Kenny reveals, “I got recruited into the mob when I was 17 years old,” setting the stage for a narrative that intertwines organized crime with personal struggle. Kyle recounts how his father's involvement in the Chicago Outfit remained hidden until Kenny's confession in 2013, fundamentally altering the family's dynamic.

Life Within the Outfit: Roles and Responsibilities

Kenny provides an in-depth look into his roles within the mafia. Starting as a doorman at whorehouses, he describes the strict no-drugs policy enforced by the Outfit:

“We could not sell dope, people. We could not sell dope. We were not allowed to sell dope” ([23:34]).

This rule was pivotal in maintaining the Outfit's operations discreet during the intense scrutiny of the War on Drugs era. Kenny elaborates on his duties, including managing whorehouses and ensuring members adhered to the Outfit’s stringent regulations.

Personal Struggles and Addiction

Kenny's narrative takes a vulnerable turn as he discusses his battle with heroin addiction:

“I was a raging addict, a raging heroin addict, believe it or not, at my age. So I came out here to California with my son. My son got me into treatment six years ago” ([05:05]).

This confession underscores the profound impact of addiction on his life and family, highlighting the duality of his existence as both a paramedic and a criminal.

Meeting Kyle’s Mother: A Complex Relationship

A significant revelation occurs when Kenny shares the story of meeting Kyle’s mother:

“Met her at a club... Beautiful redhead. Sexy. I fell in love with her pretty quick” ([40:26]).

This encounter, laden with complexity, adds another layer to Kenny's intricate life, blending personal relationships with his criminal affiliations.

Current Reflections and Recovery

Transitioning to the present, Kenny discusses his life post-addiction and his role in a sober living facility:

“I am the manager of a sober living area... I make sure they're looking for work. I make sure there's not too much idle time with them” ([07:16]).

His reflections are candid, emphasizing the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in his recovery journey:

“It saved my life. While, on the other hand, drugs ruined my life. It ruined everything” ([07:16]).

Safety Concerns and Legal Advice

Acknowledging the dangers of exposing his past, Kyle shares insights from a conversation with a criminal defense attorney:

“No matter how much you disapprove of what your father did, you're gonna have The FBI breathing down your back” ([18:38]).

To mitigate risks, Kyle and Kenny agree to use fake aliases and obscure identifying details, ensuring the safety of all involved.

Expert Insights: Jeff Cohen’s Perspective

Seeking validation and context, Kyle consults Jeff Cohen, a veteran crime reporter from the Chicago Tribune:

“Yeah, as crazy as that sounds, it is actually true that most of the time drugs was not their business” ([26:07]).

Cohen confirms the Outfit's strategic avoidance of drug-related crimes to maintain operational integrity and avoid federal heat, aligning with Kenny’s account.

Introducing Key Figures: Mickey Gennaro and Jack Erickson

Kenny introduces pivotal figures from his past, starting with Mickey Gennaro:

“He acted like a normal person. He wasn't a sociopath. Narcissistic, you know, mobster guy” ([20:28]).

Mickey, the son of a notorious street boss known as the "Old Man," played a crucial role in Kenny’s recruitment and ascent within the Outfit.

Subsequently, Jack Erickson emerges as a mentor and father figure:

“He trained me, took me under his wing and trained me, took care of me” ([32:19]).

Jack’s meticulous management of vice operations, including whorehouses, underscores the Outfit's expansive reach and Kenny’s deep entrenchment within its ranks.

Operational Insights: Managing Whorehouses

Kenny provides a vivid portrayal of his responsibilities overseeing whorehouses:

“We had four units. It's a little foyer area where we would take their ID, look them up in the card catalog” ([22:19]).

He details the systematic process of vetting members, ensuring the operations remained undisturbed by law enforcement interference.

Balancing Crime and Normalcy

Despite his criminal activities, Kenny reflects on his attempts to maintain a semblance of normal life:

“I had friends... watch football on Sundays. I was just a normal guy” ([39:56]).

This duality highlights the internal conflict between his criminal obligations and personal desires, painting a nuanced picture of his character.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As the episode draws to a close, Kyle acknowledges the complexity and danger surrounding the divulgence of his father's past:

“There’s no way for me to prove any of this since most of the information was never reported anywhere that I'm aware of” ([19:50]).

The episode sets the stage for future revelations, promising listeners a continued exploration of Kenny’s hidden life and its enduring impact on his family.

Notable Quotes

• Kenny on Addiction and Recovery ([05:05]):
  “I was a raging addict... AA it saved my life.”

• Kenny on Mafia Rules ([23:34]):
  “We could not sell dope, people. We could not sell dope.”

• Jeff Cohen on Outfit’s Drug Policy ([26:07]):
  “Most of the time drugs was not their business... more trouble than it was worth.”

• Kenny on Mentorship ([32:19]):
  “He trained me, took me under his wing and trained me, took care of me.”

Final Thoughts

"Coming Clean" serves as a compelling chapter in Crook County, offering raw and honest insights into the life of a man torn between his criminal past and pursuit of redemption. Through candid conversations and expert commentary, Kyle Tequila weaves a narrative that is both personal and harrowing, shedding light on the enduring scars of a life of crime.

For exclusive content and ad-free listening, subscribe to Tenderfoot Plus as mentioned by Kyle Tequila throughout the episode.