Jay Dobyns, a retired former ATF agent, spent two years undercover infiltrating the Hells Angels in Arizona from 2001 to 2003. He is now sharing his experiences in a new A&E series titled “Secrets of The Hells Angels,” which explores the history of the notorious biker club through interviews with former chapter presidents, law enforcement officials, undercover agents, and victims. Dobyns recalls how infiltrating the Hells Angels was a unique challenge that had never been accomplished by law enforcement before, as the club prided itself on being impenetrable.
The Hells Angels, founded in California in 1948 by returning World War II veterans, have a long history marked by incidents such as the infamous stabbing at a Rolling Stones show in Altamont in 1969 by a Hells Angel security member. Despite being listed as an outlaw motorcycle gang involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, the Hells Angels have continued to thrive and expand globally. Law enforcement agencies have been pursuing the club for decades, using tactics such as undercover infiltrations and harsh charges to prosecute members for various crimes.
Dobyns, known as “Jaybird” Davis during his undercover assignment, had to fully immerse himself in the persona of a gun runner and debt collector, rather than pretending to be an experienced biker. Despite moments of fear for his life due to the intense scrutiny and paranoia within the club, he managed to gain acceptance and trust from the members by carrying out various tasks, including staging a shooting of a rival gang leader to win their approval. The Hells Angels maintain that they are a club of motorcycle enthusiasts who are misunderstood as an organized crime syndicate.
As Dobyns progressed in his undercover role, his personal life suffered as his true identity became increasingly blurred with his alias. He acknowledged the toll it took on his family, particularly his wife and children, as he prioritized his job over them. The danger of his assignment became apparent as threats poured in after his identity was uncovered, culminating in his house being set on fire in 2008. The Hells Angels are known for their violent and unforgiving nature, making retribution a constant threat even years after the operation concluded.
After the conclusion of Operation Black Biscuit in 2003, Dobyns faced ongoing threats and intimidation from the Hells Angels, leading to the burning of his house in 2008. Despite the dangers he and his family endured, Dobyns remains steadfast in telling the truth about his experiences and exposing the reality of the Hells Angels. His retirement from the ATF in 2014 marked the end of his storied career in undercover investigations, which included more than 500 cases. With the premiere of “Secrets of the Hells Angels,” Dobyns hopes to shed light on the enigmatic and dangerous world of the motorcycle club.
Reflecting on his encounters with the Hells Angels, Dobyns acknowledged the charisma and charm of the members, despite their violent and dangerous tendencies. The allure of the Hells Angels lies in their likable personalities, which can mask the criminal activities and violence associated with the club. As the new A&E series delves into the secrets of the Hells Angels, Dobyns remains cautious but committed to sharing the truth about his experiences and the dangers posed by the notorious biker club. The ongoing fascination with the Hells Angels among Americans is a testament to the enduring intrigue surrounding the group.
