Fugitive Gang Leader "Big U" Indicted on RICO Charges: Accused of Murder, Trafficking, and Exploiting Anti-Gang Charity
Federal authorities have launched a nationwide search for Eugene Henley Jr., the reputed leader of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, who stands accused of orchestrating a vast criminal enterprise under the guise of an entertainment entrepreneur and community activist. The 58-year-old, known on the streets as "Big U," has been formally charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, stemming from an indictment filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California.
Henley, already a prominent figure within the Rollin’ 60s during the 1980s, is alleged to have spearheaded a mafia-like organization, named "Big U Enterprise," that leveraged the notorious street gang to engage in a series of illicit activities. These activities included extortion, human trafficking, fraud, illegal gambling, and even murder, most notably the 2021 killing of an aspiring rap musician, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.
The criminal complaint paints a disturbing picture of Henley’s dual life, one in which he publicly positioned himself as a force for positive change while allegedly masterminding a violent criminal enterprise behind the scenes. "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," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally.
Alongside Henley, two other alleged members of the criminal ring, Sylvester Robinson, 59, known as "Vey," and Mark Martin, 50, known as "Bear Claw," were arrested on Wednesday on the same criminal complaint. In the past 24 hours, 10 other alleged Rollin 60s members and associates have been charged with various federal crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and firearms offenses, according to the Justice Department. Authorities are still actively seeking the whereabouts of five other alleged members, including Henley, who has been officially designated a fugitive.
The federal criminal complaint alleges that Henley’s "Big U Enterprise" operated as a distinct and independent criminal organization, partnering with the Rollin 60s and other street gangs for mutual benefit. The organization purportedly used intimidation tactics against businesses and individuals across Los Angeles, wielding the gang’s reputation for violence to exert control and generate revenue.
The Justice Department alleges that Big U Enterprise is responsible for the murder of an up-and-coming musician identified in the complaint as "R.W.". According to the complaint, the musician was signed to Henley and Martin’s record label, Uneek Music. The label allegedly paid R.W. to travel to Las Vegas to collaborate with an unidentified Grammy Award-winning music producer shortly before his death in January 2021.
The motive for R.W.’s murder allegedly stemmed from a diss track the musician had recorded about Henley. The complaint alleges that this provoked Henley and Robinson to travel to Las Vegas to confront the musician. Henley allegedly drove R.W. to North Las Vegas, fatally shot him in the head, and then dragged his body off Interstate 15 into the desert, abandoning his remains in a ditch.
The complaint further alleges that upon returning to Los Angeles, Henley ordered studio workers to leave while an associate removed security surveillance footage from the studio. He then allegedly instructed witnesses not to cooperate with police investigations regarding R.W.’s murder.
In addition to the violent crimes attributed to Henley, federal authorities believe he attempted to defraud the government by submitting a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan. Henley allegedly misrepresented Uneek Music’s financial status, claiming a $200,000 profit in 2019 despite actually suffering a $5,000 loss. This loss should have disqualified the label from receiving the loan, according to the Justice Department.
Perhaps the most egregious aspect of the indictment involves Henley’s alleged exploitation of his own charity, Developing Options, whose stated mission was to deter youth from gang violence, drugs, and criminal activity. Big U Enterprise is accused of defrauding donors who contributed money to nonprofit entities under Henley’s control, including Developing Options.
According to the complaint, instead of using the substantial donations, which came from celebrities, NBA players, and prominent companies, for their intended purpose, Henley allegedly embezzled the funds and transferred the money into his personal bank account. The charity was also allegedly used as a front for members of his enterprise, allowing them to operate under law enforcement’s radar.
Developing Options receives its primary funding from the City of Los Angeles’s Mayor’s Offices Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, which also accepts donations from prominent sources. Portions of the GRYD Foundation receive federal funding.
"The RICO charges against Mr. Henley and his associates reflect a pattern of crimes that runs the gambit from extortion to tax evasion, all under the umbrella of a well-organized criminal organization led by Mr. Henley," stated Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, of the IRS criminal investigations Los Angeles field office. "Additionally, Mr. 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."
The indictment of Eugene Henley Jr. and his associates sends a powerful message that federal authorities are committed to dismantling criminal enterprises, regardless of how well-disguised they may be. The case underscores the complex and often insidious nature of gang violence and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect communities from its devastating effects. The search for Henley continues as authorities work to bring him to justice and dismantle the criminal network he allegedly controlled.
