U.S. authorities have apprehended Eugene Henley Jr., aka “Big U,” a prominent figure of a notorious Los Angeles street gang, on charges of running a criminal organization similar to the mafia, involving a slew of illicit activities, officials said on Wednesday. This included offenses such as murder, human trafficking, and extortion, all while allegedly pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Henley, a key leader in the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, faces several charges under a federal complaint, including conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. Of the 18 gang members charged, authorities arrested ten individuals this week. Initially categorized as fugitives, Henley, along with another suspect, was swiftly detained, as announced by the FBI through social media. Other indicted individuals were previously in custody.
Prosecutors claim Henley spearheaded an operation informally named the “Big U Enterprise.” Investigations suggest that he misappropriated funds from Developing Options, an anti-gang organization he established, allegedly using it as a guise for illegal activities while shielding himself from law enforcement’s scrutiny.
Henley is also under suspicion for the 2021 murder of an up-and-coming rap artist who was under contract with his label, Uneek Music. The musician, referred to in legal documents as “R.W.,” allegedly incurred Henley’s wrath after penning a derogatory track about him at a Las Vegas recording session. Prosecutors indicate R.W. was found dead in a ditch beside the Nevada Interstate 15.
According to legal documents, Henley operated similarly to a mafia leader, leveraging his connections with the Rollin’ 60s and other gangs to instill fear among businesses and individuals in Los Angeles. “The enterprise broadened its influence through aggression, intimidation, and violence, whilst utilizing social media, documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and Henley’s status as an ‘O.G.’ to both gain notoriety and instill fear of the Big U Enterprise,” the statement from the U.S. attorney said.
Henley’s alleged criminal operations are vast, comprising extortion, robbery, trafficking, manipulation of sex workers, fraud, and illegal gambling activities. Furthermore, he is believed to have submitted a fake application for a COVID-19 relief loan for his music enterprise.
As of Wednesday, it is unclear if Henley has legal representation. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in federal prison, facing the full weight of statutory penalties.
