Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr., a prominent music executive credited with launching Nipsey Hussle’s career, has been accused of leading a “Mafia-like” criminal enterprise in Los Angeles.
Henley, along with 17 others from the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, faces federal racketeering charges, including murder, human trafficking, robbery, and extortion, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Henley has “maintained the image of an entertainment industry entrepreneur running a music label and of somebody who gives back to the community here in Los Angeles,” US Attorney Joseph T. McNally said while announcing the indictment.
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“The facts alleged in the complaint paint a very different picture. It is one of a murderer, a thief, a liar and a cheat and the criminals that enabled him.”
Henley, 58, is accused of running a vast criminal network, dubbed the “Big U Enterprise,” in a mob-like fashion, according to a federal complaint.
A longtime alleged leader of the Crips, Henley initially evaded authorities but turned himself in on Wednesday.
Before his surrender, he posted an Instagram video dismissing the charges as “bull crap” and “straight trash.”
Federal prosecutors allege that “Big U” orchestrated the 2021 murder of aspiring rapper Rayshawn Williams, who was signed to his label, Uneek Music.
Williams was reportedly shot and killed after recording a diss track about Henley, with his body later found dumped in a Nevada desert ditch.
Authorities also claim Henley leveraged his influence within the Rollin’ 60s Crips and other gangs to intimidate businesses and high-profile individuals for over a decade.
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“Not only did the enterprise expand its power through violence, fear, and intimidation, but it also used social media platforms, documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and Henley’s reputation and status as an ‘O.G.’ [original gangster] to create fame for — and stoke fear of — the Big U Enterprise, its members, and its associates,” prosecutors said.
Federal prosecutors allege that Henley controlled a criminal enterprise in Los Angeles, demanding that rappers, athletes, and visitors “check in” and pay a fee for protection.
Despite his reputation as an anti-gang activist, authorities claim he used his influence to front the operation while maintaining a public image of community leadership.
Prosecutors allege that “Big U” used his anti-gang nonprofit, Developing Options, as a front for his criminal enterprise, embezzling donations from celebrities like Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal.
The charity, which receives funding from the LA Mayor’s Office and federal sources, was reportedly used to funnel money into Henley’s personal accounts.
“Henley allegedly duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charitable organization that promoted anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity that was directly contrary to his charity,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher.
Prosecutors allege he fraudulently applied for a COVID-19 relief loan for his label, Uneek Music. In response, Henley took to Instagram, claiming he was being unfairly targeted for his community work.
Henley chronicled his rise through the Rollin’ 60s Crips in the 2021 docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered, detailing his 1991 robbery conviction and 13-year prison sentence.
After his 2004 release, he founded the charity and entered the music industry, helping launch Nipsey Hussle’s career.
Henley, along with his alleged right-hand man Sylvester “Vey” Robinson and lieutenant Mark “Bear Claw” Martin, has been charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
If convicted, Henley faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
