Introduction to the Case
A long-time leader of the Rollin 60s Crips gang and self-proclaimed community activist made his first appearance in federal court after he was charged in a federal complaint that alleges he ran a vast criminal enterprise.
Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr., 58, is accused of using his charity Developing Options to receive millions of dollars in grant money from the City of Los Angeles. At the same time, authorities say he ran a "mafia-like" criminal operation.
Allegations Against Henley
Henley received grants from LA’s Gang Reduction and Youth Development Program (GRYD) for the charity, which were then diverted to the criminal enterprise, according to authorities. Another nonprofit leader and grant recipient praised the work of Henley’s charity and said he was shocked to hear of his arrest.
Reaction from the Community
"They do tremendous work with youth, particularly around sports and gang intervention," said Robert Sausedo, CEO of the nonprofit Community Build which also works on gang reduction. "Some of the things I heard about, you know, I was shocked to hear, but you know, we’re always shocked when we hear the initial news. And that’s why I always tell people, hey, let’s not rush to judgment."
The GRYD Program
Sausedo’s nonprofit is also a GRYD grant recipient and is a big believer in the program, even after the arrest. "The GRYD intervention and prevention employees across the spectrum of GRYD agencies are really the silent heroes you don’t know anything about or hear about," said Sausedo. "Several years ago, when grid when murders in Los Angeles were high of 1200 per year, that number has come down to I think just over a couple 100 per year. And that’s the direct result of us doing the type of work we do."
Charges Against Henley
Henley is charged in the complaint with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Arrest warrants were executed Tuesday morning in connection with the investigation. Four people named in the complaint were already in custody. Ten more were taken into custody since Monday. Henley was on the run prior to the announcement of his arrest Wednesday evening.
The Big U Enterprise
The criminal group at the center of the DOJ investigation has been operating since at least 2010. Donors, including celebrities and athletes, were defrauded by nonprofits under the Big U Enterprise umbrella, including Henley’s Developing Options charity, authorities said. The Hyde Park-based charity was marketed as a youth program to divert kids away from gangs, violence, drugs and other criminal activity.
City Response
In a statement, Mayor Karen Bass’ press secretary said the city program has "strict oversight." "The City has zero tolerance for malfeasance and over the past two years increased oversight on GRYD programs," press secretary De’Marcus Finnell said. "The City has strict oversight in place, however the complaint alleges a sophisticated effort to thwart oversight for many avenues of funding including the City. This alleged act does not reflect the work of the GRYD program overall, which has helped lead to a dramatic decrease in gang-related violence citywide two years in a row."
Conclusion
The case against Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr. and the Big U Enterprise highlights the complexities of gang-related activities and the challenges faced by law enforcement and community programs in combating these issues. As the investigation continues, it is essential to recognize the efforts of legitimate community programs and the importance of strict oversight to prevent the misuse of funds.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr.?
A: Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr. is a long-time leader of the Rollin 60s Crips gang and self-proclaimed community activist. - Q: What is the GRYD program?
A: The GRYD program stands for Gang Reduction and Youth Development Program, aimed at reducing gang-related violence and providing youth development opportunities. - Q: What are the allegations against Henley?
A: Henley is accused of using his charity to receive grant money from the City of Los Angeles, which was then diverted to a "mafia-like" criminal operation. - Q: How has the community reacted to Henley’s arrest?
A: The community has expressed shock and a call for not rushing to judgment, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need for due process.
