A federal grand jury has indicted Eugene “Big U” Henley, a prominent figure in the Los Angeles gang scene, on multiple serious charges. The indictment, which was issued this week, details allegations of Henley leading a criminal organization that engaged in various illegal activities, including murder, fraud, and extortion.
Henley, who is 58 years old, is known for his connections in the music industry, particularly for helping to launch the career of late rapper Nipsey Hussle. However, the charges against him paint a starkly different picture. The grand jury’s indictment includes 43 counts, ranging from wire fraud and bank fraud to robbery and tax evasion. It also accuses him of embezzling funds from a charity he managed, which relied on public donations.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, Henley’s organization operated like a mafia, exerting control over various aspects of life in Los Angeles. The indictment claims that he was involved in the murder of an aspiring rapper, Rayshawn Williams, whose body was found in the Las Vegas desert in 2021. Authorities allege that Henley kidnapped Williams and shot him after a dispute related to a diss track the young rapper recorded.
Henley’s attorney, John Targowski, stated that his client looks forward to defending himself against the charges and maintains his innocence. In videos posted before his arrest, Henley denied the allegations, claiming he has only sought to help his community and that the charges stem from personal vendettas.
The indictment also references Henley’s attempts to influence public perception through social media, labeling his actions as efforts to sway potential jurors. Federal agents noted that he had fled his home shortly before his arrest, leaving behind a subpoena related to the investigation.
Henley is described as an original member of the Rollin’ 60s Crips, a notorious gang in Los Angeles. The indictment suggests that he demanded payments from individuals seeking protection in Los Angeles, essentially requiring them to “check in” with him upon arriving in the city. This practice allegedly extended to those wanting to film or produce music in the area.
In addition to the murder charge, Henley is accused of orchestrating the collection of a $3 million debt from a current NBA All-Star. Prosecutors allege he sent an associate to collect the debt, taking a portion as a fee.
Henley’s connections to Nipsey Hussle and other artists are also highlighted in the indictment. He reportedly claimed to have had disciplinary authority over Hussle before the rapper’s murder in 2019, although there is no evidence linking him to that crime.
Henley is currently in federal custody, awaiting his arraignment scheduled for April 8. If convicted on all counts, he faces a potential life sentence. The case has drawn significant attention due to Henley’s high-profile connections and the serious nature of the allegations against him.