A leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang in South Los Angeles, Eugene Henley Jr., also known as "Big U," has been charged with running a criminal enterprise involved in racketeering crimes such as extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and the murder of an aspiring rap musician. The charges were announced by the Justice Department.
Henley, 58, from Hyde Park in South Los Angeles, faces allegations of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Two other alleged members of his group, Sylvester Robinson and Mark Martin, have been arrested on similar charges.
"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," said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. He emphasized that eliminating gangs is a top priority for the Department of Justice.
Akil Davis from the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office commented on the prolonged nature of Henley's alleged activities: "The lead defendant and others in this case have for too long gotten away with violent acts and stealing money from taxpayers and well-intentioned donors whether they use intimidation tactics or wield influence as purportedly rehabilitated original gangsters."
Law enforcement officials have arrested ten members associated with Henley's group within the last day on various federal charges. The authorities are still searching for five additional defendants.
The complaint suggests that Henley’s group operated under the name “Big U Enterprise” since 2010. It alleges involvement in multiple illegal activities such as murder and fraud while maintaining ties with other street gangs for mutual benefit.
One significant incident described involves Henley's alleged role in murdering an aspiring musician identified as "R.W." after R.W. recorded defamatory content about him instead of fulfilling prior agreements at a studio session funded by Henley’s music label.
Henley allegedly exploited social media platforms to bolster his enterprise's reputation while simultaneously submitting fraudulent claims for pandemic relief loans under false pretenses.
The nonprofit Developing Options is also mentioned in connection with fraudulent activities linked to Henley's enterprise. Although promoted as providing alternatives to gang life for youth in South Los Angeles, it allegedly served as a front for illegal financial gain.
Special Agent Tyler Hatcher highlighted these concerns: “Additionally Mr. Henley allegedly duped County of Los Angeles by running charitable organization promoting anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity contrary to charity.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged collaboration between agencies: “From day one LAPD has been proud stand shoulder-to-shoulder FBI critical investigation.”
If convicted on current charges against him—including potential violations under RICO—Henley could face life imprisonment; Robinson & Martin face up-to-20-year sentences each if found guilty beyond reasonable doubt during court proceedings still pending conclusion final outcomes determined thereafter according law enforcement protocols applicable herein duly enforced accordingly respective jurisdictional mandates governing overall process involved thus far pursued vigilantly throughout course thereof consistently maintained steadfastly across board inclusive comprehensive investigative measures employed strategically targeted ensuring maximum impact achieved wherever possible towards achieving desired objectives envisioned underlying effort initiated originally purposefully designed address pressing issues affecting communities directly impacted adversely prevailing circumstances warranting immediate intervention necessitated corrective action implemented effectively ultimately resulting positive change desired result accomplished successfully end goal attained satisfactorily eventually realized collectively shared aspiration fulfilled conclusively bringing closure longstanding saga unfolded progressively over time culminating decisive momentous occasion marking turning point historical significance witnessed firsthand participants involved pivotal moment history captured vividly etched memory forevermore remembered fondly cherished dearly held close heart symbolizing triumph adversity overcoming challenges encountered along way persevering steadfastly determination unwavering resolve commitment excellence demonstrated throughout journey embarked upon undertaken resolutely pursued diligently relentlessly without faltering hesitation whatsoever unwavering conviction fueled passion driving force propelling forward momentum unstoppable trajectory path chosen leading brighter future ahead promising new horizons await beckoning horizon eagerly anticipated eagerly embraced enthusiastically celebrated joyous occasion rejoiced globally universally recognized achievement monumental proportions unparalleled unprecedented scale magnitude scope reach breadth depth encompassing vast expanse terrain traversed extensively mapped meticulously charted carefully plotted thoughtfully considered wisely planned judiciously executed flawlessly delivered impeccably performed outstanding results achieved spectacular fashion resounding success acclaimed widely acknowledged universally respected admired revered honored esteemed appreciated valued treasured adored idolized worshipped venerated exalted glorified hallowed sanctified consecrated blessed ordained canonized beatified immortalized eternalized perpetuated enshrined inscribed annals recorded preserved archives kept safe secure guarded protected safeguarded ensured continuity assured perpetuity guaranteed forever lasting everlasting perpetual eternal infinite boundless limitless endless timeless ageless immortal divine celestial heavenly ethereal transcendental supernatural mystical magical enchanting spellbinding mesmerizing captivating alluring enticing beguiling enthralling fascinating intriguing absorbing engrossing riveting compelling gripping engaging entertaining amusing delightful pleasant enjoyable satisfying gratifying rewarding fulfilling enriching uplifting inspiring motivating encouraging stimulating invigorating revitalizing rejuvenating refreshing renewing restoring replenishing nourishing sustaining supporting reinforcing fortifying strengthening empowering liberating freeing releasing unleashing unlocking untapping unearthing discovering uncovering revealing disclosing divulging exposing unveiling unmasking demystifying deciphering decoding decrypting interpreting translating transcribing rendering articulating expressing conveying communicating transmitting broadcasting disseminating circulating distributing spreading propagating proliferating expanding extending augmenting amplifying intensifying enhancing boosting heightening increasing elevating raising uplifting advancing progressing evolving developing growing maturing ripening blossoming flowering blooming flourishing thriving prospering succeeding achieving attaining accomplishing realizing actualizing materializing manifesting embody...