Jay Dobyns spent two years living a double life while working undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) infiltrating the Hells Angels motorcycle club in Arizona. This unique operation, known as Operation Black Biscuit, was groundbreaking in law enforcement as the Hells Angels had always prided themselves on being impenetrable to law enforcement. Dobyns was able to gain the trust of the club members by portraying himself as a gangster involved in illegal activities, rather than a biker. His experience is now being shared in a new A&E series titled “Secrets of The Hells Angels,” which delves into the history and operations of the notorious biker club.
The Hells Angels have a long and storied history dating back to their founding in 1948 by World War II veterans in California. The club has been involved in various criminal activities over the years, including drug trafficking, which has led to extensive law enforcement efforts to infiltrate and prosecute members. Despite these efforts, the club has continued to thrive, expanding globally and aggressively protecting its trademarks in court. The Hells Angels have always maintained that they are a club of motorcycle enthusiasts unfairly labeled as a criminal syndicate because of the actions of a few rogue members.
During his time undercover, Dobyns was able to gain the trust of the Hells Angels by participating in staged events, including a shooting to make it appear as if he had killed the leader of a rival gang. This led to his acceptance into the club, but also put his life at risk as the Angels were known for their paranoia and violent tendencies. Dobyns faced numerous threats, including the burning down of his house in 2008 while his family was inside. Despite the dangers, he remained dedicated to his role and successfully completed the operation, leading to multiple indictments against club members.
Dobyns’ time undercover took a toll on his personal life, with his marriage suffering as a result of his commitment to the assignment. He reflects on the regret he feels for putting his job ahead of his family and acknowledges the impact it had on his loved ones. Despite the risks and challenges he faced during his time with the Hells Angels, Dobyns emerged from the experience with a unique insight into the workings of the club and the criminal activities they are involved in.
After retiring from the ATF in 2014, Dobyns co-wrote a memoir titled “No Angel” detailing his experiences working undercover. He reflects on the lasting impact of his time with the Hells Angels and the fascination that Americans have with outlaw motorcycle clubs. The A&E series “Secrets of The Hells Angels” promises to provide additional insights into the inner workings of the club and the law enforcement efforts to combat their criminal activities. Despite the dangers and challenges he faced, Dobyns remains committed to sharing the truth about his experiences and shedding light on the hidden world of outlaw motorcycle gangs.
As the series premieres, Dobyns remains cautious but unafraid to share his story and continue to shed light on the criminal activities of the Hells Angels. With his extensive experience in undercover investigations and a unique perspective on the inner workings of the motorcycle club, Dobyns offers valuable insights into a world that remains largely hidden from the public eye. The Hells Angels continue to operate globally, facing ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat their criminal activities, but also maintaining a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie among their members.
