Crook County
True Crime
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.
Location:
United States
Genres:
True Crime
Description:
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.
Language:
English
Episodes
Unanswered Questions
9/23/2025
Get ready for a thrilling Crook County bonus episode! Kyle dives into the voicemails you, our passionate fans, have sent in, tackling your burning questions and sharing raw, unfiltered reactions to the show’s wild ride. Plus, Kyle unearths exclusive, never-before-heard interview clips with Ken that will leave you speechless! From shocking revelations to untold stories, this episode is packed with surprises that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this special dive into the heart of Crook County! To leave Kyle a Voicemail go to Speakpipe.com/CrookCountyPodcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:46
Do Not Turn On the Lights
9/4/2025
What 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.
Duration:00:03:30
Inside Crook County: Behind the Mic with Kyle Tekiela
4/10/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:43:43
8 | The Rear View Mirror
3/25/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:29:42
7 | The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone
3/18/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:30:58
6 | Fire In The Sky
3/11/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:32:09
5 | Bully
3/4/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:11
4 | Keeper Of A House Of Prostitution
2/25/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:31:10
3 | Coming Clean
2/18/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:33:21
2 | The Ties That Bind Us
2/11/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:37:04
1 | Give Me Your F**kin Money
2/11/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:24:45
Meet Ken
2/3/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:01:01
Welcome to Crook County (Official Trailer)
2/3/2025
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 for privacy information.
Duration:00:02:28