In Los Angeles, a man identified as a leader of a street gang recently made a court appearance after being charged with serious offenses such as murder, kidnapping, and extortion. This came following a video he posted, where he declared his innocence before surrendering himself to federal officials.
Eugene Henley Jr., who goes by the moniker “Big U,” is one of 18 individuals linked to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, who are under suspicion for a wide range of federal violations, including drug trafficking, firearms crimes, and conspiracy, as per a statement issued by the U.S. attorney’s office.
In a video message captured prior to his surrender on Wednesday, Henley, who refers to himself as a community advocate, disclaimed the charges against him. He claimed he was being targeted due to his efforts to aid his community and promote positive change. “This the price of being Black and trying to help somebody, trying to help your community and do what you can,” Henley stated. “You just guilty because somebody else don’t like you.”
Post his appearance in court, Henley is to remain in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for March 31, according to federal prosecutors. His formal arraignment is set to take place on April 8. No legal representation for Henley has been confirmed.
Henley, along with two other individuals, is facing allegations of breaching the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. Authorities allege that Henley orchestrated an illicit network referred to as the “Big U Enterprise.”
Moreover, he is accused of misappropriating contributions given to Developing Options, a charity purportedly created to combat gang involvement, yet alleged by prosecutors to have been utilized by Henley for illegitimate purposes and to shield its participants from law enforcement scrutiny.
In 2021, Henley was implicated in the death of a rising rap artist associated with Uneek Music, his record label, as stated by prosecutors. They further accuse Henley of running his operations in a manner akin to a mob leader, leveraging his stature as well as his enduring affiliations with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to pressure businesses and individuals across Los Angeles.
Should the courtroom find him guilty, Henley might face the possibility of receiving a life sentence in federal prison.
