Pasadena's 1980s Drug Culture Gets Memoir Treatment From Both Sides Of The Law

PASADENA, MD — A new memoir released this month tells the story of Pasadena's drug culture during the 1980s, all from the perspective of a former drug kingpin and the undercover cop who helped put him in jail.

The book, titled "Covert Underworlds: Memoirs of a Dealer and a Detective," offers the dual perspectives of Billy Joe Nichols and Ron Bateman in the lead-up to Nichols' 1984 arrest.

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Bateman worked as an undercover police officer before he went on to serve more than 20 years in the Anne Arundel County Police Department. He later served as an elected sheriff between 2006 and 2018.

Bateman has also authored a variety of books throughout the years.

Nichols, on the other hand, developed an interest in the drug market, which saw him start with marijuana dealings before transitioning to one of the peak drugs of choice during the '80s: cocaine.

His criminal dealings ultimately came to an end when he was sentenced to five years in prison. Nichols now works at the Port of Baltimore.

Bateman and Nichols told The Banner that they're hoping the memoir gets picked up for a Hollywood adaptation, with Nichols saying he'd use the proceeds to fund a community center in Pasadena.

"Covert Underworlds" was released Oct. 6 and is available as an audiobook and in paperback.