Accused Crips Leader Indicted
Introduction to the Case
A federal grand jury indictment returned this week against accused gang leader Eugene “Big U” Henley revealed new details about the reach of his alleged “mafia-like organization” and the celebrities who were entangled in it. Henley, who helped launch Nipsey Hussle’s career, was previously charged in a 107-page criminal complaint and eventually arrested last week. The 43-count indictment returned Wednesday means a grand jury believes there’s enough evidence to charge Henley.
Charges and Allegations
The grand jury indicted Henley, 58, on charges including fraud, robbery, extortion, tax evasion, embezzlement of donations to his charity, which receives public money, and running a racketeering conspiracy in which he allegedly murdered an aspiring rapper, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in L.A. Henley’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “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,” said Acting U.S. Atty. Joseph McNally. “Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice’s top priority.”
Response to Accusations
Before turning himself in, Henley made videos denying the accusations against him saying, “I ain’t did nothing.” “I ain’t been nothing but a help to our community,” Henley said on the videos. “This the price of being Black and trying to help somebody, trying to help your community and do what you can. You just guilty because somebody else don’t like you.” In the indictment, prosecutors referenced those videos, calling them “an attempt to poison the jury pool.” They also accused Henley of fleeing from law enforcement and obstructing the investigation.
Details of the Investigation
According to the indictment, Henley’s phones stopped reporting location data around 12:30 a.m. on March 19, hours before law enforcement executed arrests tied to the case. Before allegedly fleeing his home in South L.A., authorities said Henley left a subpoena related to the investigation on a table near a hat for the Seattle Mariners, a sports team adopted by Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips members as a symbol of the gang. Federal authorities said Henley is an admitted member and “original gangster” or “OG” of the Rollin’ 60s. More than a dozen alleged members or associates of the Rollin’ 60s Crips — including Henley — have been charged in the sprawling criminal case.
Celebrity Involvement
The indictment also provided more information on the circumstances surrounding the Las Vegas murder of Rayshawn Williams, an aspiring rapper. Authorities have accused Henley of kidnapping and fatally shooting Williams in the face and leaving his body in the Las Vegas desert in 2021. According to prosecutors, Henley had arranged for Williams to record music at a studio owned by a Grammy-winning producer in Las Vegas. That producer, identified as Witness-2 in the criminal complaint, told authorities that Henley was using his studio for free “based on the fear and power dynamic imposed over Witness-2 by the Big U Enterprise for years.” In addition, according to the indictment, Henley allegedly arranged for a co-conspirator to collect an illegal debt in November 2022 from a current NBA All-Star player who purportedly owed $3 million to a Big U Enterprise associate.
Henley’s Involvement with Nipsey Hussle
The indictment also included details from wiretapped calls in which Henley allegedly said he was “bigger” than Nipsey Hussle and that he had disciplined Hussle before the rapper’s murder in 2019. In “Hip Hop Uncovered,” a six-part documentary series for which Henley was an executive producer, he said Hussle made a “diss” song about him after the two had a falling out over music equipment. Although social media posts have tried to blame Henley for Hussle’s death, authorities have not linked him to the murder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the indictment of Eugene “Big U” Henley has shed light on the alleged activities of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and the involvement of celebrities in their operations. The case highlights the need for continued efforts to eradicate gang activity and organized crime. Henley is in federal custody and his arraignment is scheduled for April 8. His detention hearing is scheduled for April 10. If convicted on all counts, Henley would be in prison for life.
FAQs
Q: Who is Eugene "Big U" Henley?
A: Eugene "Big U" Henley is an accused gang leader who has been indicted on charges including fraud, robbery, extortion, tax evasion, and running a racketeering conspiracy.
Q: What is the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips?
A: The Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips is a gang that Henley is allegedly a member of, and more than a dozen alleged members or associates have been charged in the sprawling criminal case.
Q: What is the significance of the Seattle Mariners hat?
A: The Seattle Mariners hat is a symbol of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, and Henley allegedly left a subpoena related to the investigation on a table near the hat before fleeing his home.
Q: How is Nipsey Hussle related to the case?
A: Henley allegedly had a falling out with Nipsey Hussle over music equipment, and although social media posts have tried to blame Henley for Hussle’s death, authorities have not linked him to the murder.
