No Angel
- Author: Nils Johnson-Shelton
- Publisher: Canongate
No Angel tells the somewhat historic story of ATF Special Agent Jay Dobyns. Why’s this guy so special? He was the first federal agent to ever infiltrate the inner circle of the most infamous outlaw motorcycle gang in the world. The Hells Angels.
The story starts in 2001 with Jay and his team trying to establish credibility by forming a legitimate charter of the Mexican club called the Solo Angeles. And then goes on to show him slowly get more and more involved with the Hells Angels until they eventially invite him in to their inner circle, to become patched over and be an official 1%er member of the Hells Angels (almost).
Angels forever forever angels
The 1%er monica comes from a speach in America where the quote states that only 1% of bikers are criminals. So the outlaw biker gangs took this statement and proudly declar themselves 1%ers and, in the case of the Hells Angels, as the ‘Filthy Few’.
The books gives an interesting insight into how these gangs are organised. Their casual view on violence and the often deadly rivalries between gangs such as that between the Hells Angels and the Mongols. Which Jay will exploit in an attempt to push for full membership.
Although it’s worth mentioning, officially the Hells Angels declare that their club has never been infiltrated by an undercover agent.
One thing that does become apparent is the toll this job took on Dobyns. As he gets closer and closer to the Hells Angels he deteriorates fairly rapidly, alienating friends, family and co-workers.
Also, if it’s all true, it doesn’t sound like he earnt any respect from the agency for his work and they look to have hung him out to dry at the end…
So if you’re interested in the workings of motorcycle clubs such as the Hells Angels then this is a good book complete with photos.
It’s also interesting to see how real undercover opertaions are organised and the type of pressures that come to play. One that comes to mind is when Jay is being sent off to go to a Hells Angels ralley because there’s rumours the Mongols (?) are going to attack.
This puts him in an interesting situation because the Hells Angels will expect him to shoot and fight for the club. But he’s a cop so he can’t, that means cover blown. The solution was to arrest all Mongol riders in the area so they don’t make it there!
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