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.
The host discusses Kenny's struggles with homelessness and mental health, highlighting the urgent need for community support to provide him with basic living expenses and stability for his recovery.
24 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Inside the Investigation with Payne Lindsey, Dennis Cooper, and Kyle Tekiela
Payne Lindsey, Dennis Cooper, and Kyle Tekiela discuss the realities of investigative podcasting, sharing insights on storytelling, case connections, and handling external pressures in this live interview.
23 Sept 2025
Unanswered Questions
Host Kyle explores listener voicemails, addresses burning questions about the show, and shares exclusive interview clips with Ken, revealing shocking revelations and untold stories in this special episode.
4 Sept 2025TRANSCRIPT
Do Not Turn On the Lights
True crime producer Ben Kissel interviews comedian and writer Matt McCarthy about the intersection of comedy and true crime in the "Wisecrack" podcast.
14 May 2025
Introducing: Bone Valley, Season 2
Hi, 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
10 Apr 2025
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
Your 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
25 Mar 2025
8 | The Rear View Mirror
Ken'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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
18 Mar 2025
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
Like 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Mar 2025
6 | Fire In The Sky
Kenny 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
4 Mar 2025
5 | Bully
We 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
25 Feb 2025
4 | Keeper Of A House Of Prostitution
Ken 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
18 Feb 2025
3 | Coming Clean
Ken 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 (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Feb 2025
2 | The Ties That Bind Us
With the help of some old home videos, Kyle embarks on a journey to the past to uncover the family secret and try to pick up the pieces of a broken home. Kyle's mom, Holly, tells the harrowing story of an idyllic family destined to fall apart, and the exact moment where everything changed. Kyle's brother, Kory, reveals the violent relationship he had with Ken.See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
11 Feb 2025
1 | Give Me Your F**kin Money
Meet Kenny “The Kid”, a Chicago mafia soldier and hitman for nearly 25 years. After hearing a brutal firsthand account of a mafia hit, we learn how and why Kenny was recruited as 17 year old kid, explore the history of the legendary Chicago Outfit, and reveal a devastating truth that reverberates to this very day.See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
4 Feb 2025
Meet Ken
For over 20 years he was a celebrated firefighter, living a secret double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. Who is Ken Tekiela? He's my father, and I didn't know any of this until now. Crook County premieres February 11th. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
4 Feb 2025
Welcome to Crook County (Official Trailer)
Welcome to Crook County, a den of thieves, where a celebrated firefighter, husband and loving father led a secret double life as a hitman for the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit. A secret that shattered his family. From Tenderfoot TV and iHeart Podcasts, Crook County is coming February 11th.See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Who has been a guest on Crook County
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Payne Lindsey
Dennis Cooper
Kyle Tekiela
Matt McCarthy
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
419,108,275
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
980 ratings
Spotify
4.3 / 5
411 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 74 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
74
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
93
Pitching Crook County
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting pitches.
Questions about Crook County
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does Crook County take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Where can I read transcripts?
3 of 16 episodes have a transcript on Pod Engine. Full transcripts are available with a Pod Engine plan.
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