Who is Big U? L.A. Crips Leader Accused of ‘Mafia-Like’ Activity

Eugene Henley Jr., known as “Big U,” a longtime leader of a Los Angeles Crips gang subset, has been charged with a slew of federal crimes, including racketeering, fraud, extortion and murder.

Federal authorities allege Henley ran a criminal enterprise dubbed “Big U Enterprise,” disguising himself as an anti-gang activist while engaging in organized crime. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Who is Big U?

Henley, 58, has been a significant figure in gang culture for decades, gaining influence within the Rollin’ 60s chapter of the Los Angeles Crips since the 1980s. He has also been involved in the entertainment industry, forming a record label and collaborating with various music artists.

Prosecutors allege that despite his public image as a community activist, he led a criminal operation that engaged in extortion, fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Henley’s nonprofit organization, Developing Options, was allegedly used as a front for fraudulent activities. Federal investigators claim he embezzled large donations intended for youth programs and redirected funds into personal accounts. Some of the donors included prominent celebrities and professional athletes.

Murder Allegations

Among the most serious accusations against Henley is his alleged involvement in the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper identified as “R.W.” in court documents. After the musician had failed to meet contractual obligations and recorded a “diss song” about Henley, prosecutors claim that Henley and his associate, Sylvester Robinson, confronted R.W. in Las Vegas where he was recording at a producer’s studio. They then allegedly shot him, and disposed of his body in the Nevada desert.

According to the federal complaint, Henley later ordered studio employees to delete surveillance footage of the confrontation and threatened witnesses to ensure their silence. His criminal enterprise allegedly relied on intimidation, violence, and social media to maintain control over his operations.

COVID Fraud Allegations

Henley is also accused of submitting fraudulent applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. Prosecutors say he claimed that his record label, Uneek Music, was operating at a $200,000 profit in 2019, despite financial records showing a loss of $5,000. This misrepresentation allegedly helped him secure pandemic-related financial aid illegally.

The criminal complaint further states that Henley’s fraudulent activities extended beyond the pandemic relief loan. He allegedly used Developing Options to obtain funds from the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office through the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, which receives federal funding.

Federal Charges and Arrest

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Henley and 18 other members of the Rollin’ 60s Crips on Wednesday. While several co-defendants were arrested, Henley and two others remain fugitives. Authorities described him as the mastermind behind a network that used his “O.G.” (original gangster) status to command fear and control various criminal enterprises.

“The allegations in the complaint unsealed today reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud—all led by a supposed anti-gang activist and purported music entrepreneur who was nothing more than a violent street criminal,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said in a statement.

Henley, responding to the charges in an Instagram video, denied the accusations, stating: “I ain’t been nothing but help to our community. It’s crazy, but I’m going to turn myself in, though, because I ain’t do nothing.”

If convicted, Henley faces a life sentence in federal prison. His alleged associates, Robinson and Mark Martin, each face up to 20 years behind bars. Federal authorities have vowed to continue their investigation into the broader network linked to Henley’s enterprise.