White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse
Season 2, Episode 3: Who’s A Rat Dot Com
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Produced by CBC

Overview

In the gripping third episode of the second season of White Hot Hate, host Michelle Shepherd delves deep into the perilous world of undercover operations against outlaw motorcycle gangs. This episode, titled "Who’s A Rat Dot Com," centers on the intricate and dangerous infiltration of the Taunton Outlaws chapter by FBI undercover agent Scott Calloway (a.k.a. Agent Pale Horse). Drawing from a comprehensive transcript, the episode highlights the challenges, emotional tolls, and near-miss confrontations faced by agents working to dismantle violent criminal organizations from within.

Setting the Stage: Operation Roadkill

The episode begins by introducing Thomas Higginbotham, a retired Massachusetts State Trooper with a distinguished 31-year career combating motorcycle gangs. Higgy recounts the rise of the Outlaws in Massachusetts during the early 1990s, emphasizing their aggressive expansion and the subsequent police concerns.

Thomas Higginbotham (02:04):
"By 2005, Higgy and his team started an investigation into the Taunton, Massachusetts chapter of the Outlaws. It was called Operation Roadkill."

Operation Roadkill was a multi-agency effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement aimed at crippling the Outlaws' operations, which included drug trafficking, violence, and firearm offenses. Prosecutor Peter Levitt (08:36) explains the breadth of the investigation:

Peter Levitt (08:36):
"The tools that a federal prosecutor has are quite broad. In that investigation, we used all of them—confidential informants, wiretaps, searches and seizures, pole cameras, trash poles."

Scott's Undercover Infiltration

Scott Calloway, portrayed as an ideal candidate for infiltration, brings authenticity to his role with his background in motorcycle culture. Despite initial reservations from Higgy about the dangers of going undercover, Scott's genuine affinity for the biker lifestyle made him a perfect fit.

Thomas Higginbotham (02:38):
"I'm not a big fan of it, but I said, yeah, and..."

Scott's familiarity with the environment is evident as he describes his first interactions at the Foxy Lady strip club, a known hangout for Outlaws members.

Scott Calloway (04:33):
"I bounced in strip clubs, and even when I wasn't bouncing, I would go back and visit as a single young cop."

Building Trust with the Outlaws

To avoid suspicion, Scott meticulously established his presence at the Foxy Lady before making direct contact. His strategic approach involved frequent visits, purchasing extra dances to appear generous, and slowly integrating himself into the club's social fabric.

Scott Calloway (12:23):
"I'm building my bona fides. I am creating a legend here to where I'm getting to know people, they're getting to know me."

As trust grew, Scott began engaging with key members, including Spanky, Clothesline, and the chapter president, Joe Dogs. Each character exhibited unique traits that Scott adeptly navigated to solidify his cover.

• Spanky: The aspiring leader with a desire for prominence but often ignored by peers.
• Clothesline (Brian de la Vega): The unpredictable enforcer known for his colorful tattoos and volatile behavior.
• Joe Dogs: The chapter president whose poor business acumen contrasted with his preference for partying.

Scott Calloway (17:26):
"Clothesline had one of the best lines that I'd heard. He said he was allergic to Jack Daniels... It's funny, man."

The Bonds and Dangers of Undercover Work

Scott's deepening relationships, especially with Scott Town (Scotty T) and Black Scott, highlighted the emotional complexities of undercover work. The genuine camaraderie developed with these members blurred professional boundaries, raising ethical concerns.

Scott Calloway (20:43):
"We were tight. Like, scary tight. Like, how similar we were. I could complete his sentences, he could complete mine."

Prosecutor Peter Levitt reflects on the authenticity of Scott's relationships and the inherent risks:

Peter Levitt (22:08):
"Their interactions were so genuine and authentic that it worked."

The Confrontation and Critical Moment

The episode reaches a climax during a pivotal confrontation at the Outlaws' clubhouse. As tensions escalate over an insurance scam gone wrong, Scott finds himself in a life-threatening situation.

Scott Calloway (27:28):
"I get to the clubhouse and I go inside and the music's blaring. They poured me a Jack and Coke, you know."

Suddenly, Scott is dragged to a dark cellar, weapons drawn, and forced to reveal his true identity. The presence of hidden wiretaps becomes crucial during this tense standoff.

Scott Calloway (29:34):
"They start swearing at me. I need you to write down your name for me."

The Outlaws' suspicions heighten as they consult "who's a rat dot com," an online directory tracking informants. Realizing the peril, Higgy and his team contemplate drastic measures to ensure Scott's safety.

Thomas Higginbotham (33:12):
"If we thought he was being assaulted, we were going to just hit the building with a car and that would be it."

Team’s Perspective and Final Outcome

From the surveillance team's vantage point, the mounting tension and imminent threat to Scott become palpable. Higgy describes the moment they knew something was critically wrong:

Thomas Higginbotham (32:22):
"That's when I said, we got a problem."

Ultimately, the episode pauses the action at the brink of intervention, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats regarding Scott's fate.

Conclusion and Insights

Who’s A Rat Dot Com offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of an undercover agent battling internal conflicts, the constant threat of exposure, and the psychological strains of living a double life. Through detailed storytelling and authentic character portrayals, the episode underscores the immense risks law enforcement officers face in their pursuit of dismantling violent criminal organizations.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Higginbotham (02:20):
  "What happens when we bring an undercover into a motorcycle gang? It raises all these other issues. We have to deal with his safety."

• Scott Calloway (14:00):
  "I could see that Spanky was looking, and I'm like, okay, it's kind of going good."

• Peter Levitt (08:36):
  "There are wiretaps, searches and seizures, pole cameras, trash poles."

Additional Production Credits:

This episode was written and produced by Michelle Shepherd, senior producer Ashley Mack, and producer Eunice Kim. Special thanks to Andrew Friesen, the CBC Reference Library, and Oralation Studios. Mixing and sound design by Evan Kelly. Emily Connell served as the digital producer, with Rachel Degasperis as the intern.

Related Works:

This podcast series is produced alongside the book "Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis," co-written by Scott Payne and Michelle Shepherd. Season one of White Hot Hate is available on all major podcast platforms.

Connect with CBC Podcasts: For more episodes and updates, visit CBC Podcasts.