Federal authorities are searching for Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr., a former gang leader turned entertainment entrepreneur and community activist, who is now a fugitive facing serious criminal charges. The 58-year-old has been indicted for conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, linking him to murder, extortion, fraud, and human trafficking.
The Allegations Against Big U
Henley, a prominent figure in South Los Angeles, was widely known as an anti-gang activist and music industry insider. However, federal investigators allege that behind this public persona, he led a violent criminal enterprise affiliated with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.
According to a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Henley and his associates engaged in a range of illegal activities, including murder, human trafficking, and fraud. Authorities claim that Henley operated a “mafia-like organization” under the guise of his business, Big U Enterprise, which was allegedly used to extort businesses and individuals in Los Angeles.
In addition to Henley, two of his associates, Sylvester “Vey” Robinson, 59, and Mark “Bear Claw” Martin, 50, were arrested as part of the sweeping federal indictment. Ten other alleged gang members and associates have also been charged with various crimes, including racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. Authorities are actively searching for five fugitives, including Henley.
The 2021 Murder That Led to the Indictment
One of the most shocking allegations against Henley involves the 2021 murder of an aspiring musician identified as “R.W.” According to federal prosecutors, Henley and Robinson confronted R.W. in Las Vegas after the musician recorded a diss track aimed at Henley. The complaint states that Henley drove R.W. to North Las Vegas, fatally shot him in the head, and abandoned his body in a ditch off Interstate 15.
Following the murder, Henley allegedly attempted to cover up the crime by ordering studio surveillance footage to be erased and instructing witnesses not to cooperate with law enforcement. These actions, authorities say, solidified Henley’s role as the leader of a criminal enterprise that used violence and intimidation to maintain control.
Fraudulent Schemes and Financial Crimes
Beyond violent crimes, Henley is also accused of engaging in financial fraud. Prosecutors allege that he submitted a fraudulent application for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, falsely claiming that his record label, Uneek Music, was profitable when it had actually operated at a loss.
Henley also allegedly misused donations made to his nonprofit, Developing Options, which was supposed to deter youth from gang involvement. According to investigators, the charity received significant financial support from celebrities, NBA players, and major companies. Instead of using the funds for community programs, Henley is accused of embezzling the money for personal use.
Developing Options was primarily funded through the City of Los Angeles’s Mayor’s Office’s Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, which receives federal funding. Authorities claim that the charity was a front for criminal activities and provided cover for Henley and his associates.
Authorities’ Response and Nationwide Manhunt
Federal agencies, including the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation unit, are working to apprehend Henley and his fugitive associates. Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher emphasized the severity of the charges, stating, “The RICO charges against Mr. Henley and his associates reflect a pattern of crimes ranging from extortion to tax evasion, all under the umbrella of a well-organized criminal enterprise.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally echoed these concerns, calling Henley “a violent street criminal who used his nonprofit and entertainment business as a cover for illicit activities.”
Eugene “Big U” Henley’s case highlights the intersection of organized crime and the entertainment industry. Once considered a reformed gang leader working to curb violence in Los Angeles, Henley is now at the center of a massive federal investigation. As authorities continue their search, his downfall serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving.
Federal officials urge anyone with information about Henley’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. The manhunt continues as the justice system seeks to hold him accountable for the crimes alleged in the indictment.