Gang Interventionist “Big U” Pleads Not Guilty to Racketeering, Murder in Federal Case

Eugene Henley Jr., a well-known Los Angeles gang interventionist and music industry figure known as “Big U,” pleaded not guilty Tuesday to numerous charges in a 43-count federal indictment that accuses him of racketeering, fraud, extortion, and embezzlement.

Henley, 58, who surrendered to authorities last month, faces allegations that connect him to a 2021 killing in Las Vegas along with accusations of running what prosecutors describe as a “mafia-like” criminal enterprise while publicly portraying himself as an anti-gang activist.

The indictment charges Henley with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), along with multiple counts of robbery, extortion, wire fraud, and embezzlement. A trial date of May 20 was scheduled, though that is expected to change, with a detention hearing set for Thursday.

According to federal prosecutors, Henley is a leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a street gang with significant presence in South Los Angeles communities including areas bordering Inglewood. Authorities allege that he ran a criminal organization while simultaneously operating as a gang interventionist in the South L.A. community of Hyde Park.

“As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said in a statement last month.

The case has particular significance for Inglewood and Compton communities, where anti-gang intervention programs have been critical components of public safety strategies. Henley’s high-profile role as an interventionist had made him a recognized figure in gang prevention circles throughout South LA.

Prosecutors contend that Henley killed Las Vegas rapper Rayshawn Williams in January 2021, alleging the victim — who had been signed by Henley’s Uneek Music record label — had recorded a defamatory song about him. Henley is also accused of defrauding prominent athletes, including former Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, by persuading them to donate money to charity that he allegedly kept himself.

Additionally, Henley is accused of fraudulently obtaining funding from the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program supervised by the L.A. Mayor’s Office and submitting a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan.

Before surrendering to authorities, Henley posted videos on Instagram denying any wrongdoing, stating: “I’m looking at all these charges in the news. I’m heading back to L.A. Ain’t going to be no real evidence. Ain’t going to be no real nothing … Now, they’re saying all that stuff to assassinate my character.”

Six others allegedly linked to the case were also arrested. If convicted of all charges, prosecutors note that Henley could face a sentence of hundreds of years in prison.

This story includes information from City News Service.