Today's Read Contributor In his memoir, Riding with Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang, former ATF agent Ken Croke offers a firsthand, jaw-dropping look at his dangerous undercover operation within one of the most notorious outlaw motorcycle gangs in America. Co-authored with journalist Dave Wedge, the book, which was released on March 15, 2022, pulls back the curtain on a high-stakes mission that placed Croke’s life on the line while he infiltrated the violent Pagan Motorcycle Club, a group known for its violent criminal activities and its tight grip on the underworld.
The Pagan Motorcycle Club, with its roots deeply planted in organized crime, has long been associated with drug trafficking, violent crimes, and other illegal activities. Their reputation for brutality and secrecy made them a formidable target for law enforcement. However, getting close enough to gather intelligence on such an organization would require more than just typical surveillance—it would require going deep into their ranks, earning their trust, and playing a role in their criminal activities without ever being discovered. This is where Croke’s extraordinary story begins.
Croke’s decision to go undercover within the Pagan Motorcycle Club came at a time when law enforcement was struggling to combat the widespread violence and illegal activity of these gangs. In a dangerous gamble, Croke assumed the persona of an outlaw biker, ingratiating himself with the members of the gang. This operation not only tested his ability to blend into a world of crime but also pushed him to his physical and emotional limits as he navigated the treacherous waters of the biker underworld.
The book chronicles the intense and often harrowing experiences Croke faced while undercover. From close calls with violence to managing his cover, every page brings the reader closer to the danger and adrenaline that defined Croke’s time as an undercover agent. At the same time, the memoir highlights the toll such an operation took on Croke’s personal life, especially the emotional strain of maintaining a false identity for months while living a life that was far from his own.
Through his memoir, Croke not only sheds light on his daring operation but also provides a broader commentary on the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with organized crime. The stakes were never higher as Croke worked tirelessly to gather information that would eventually lead to the takedown of several key figures within the Pagan Motorcycle Club. His efforts helped to dismantle a violent criminal network that had long evaded justice, making the operation a significant victory in the battle against organized crime.
Riding with Evil serves as both a thrilling account of undercover work and a testament to the courage and resilience of law enforcement officers like Ken Croke, who risk their lives to protect society from the grip of criminal organizations.
