Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. Arrested Amid Major Crackdown on Gang Activity
Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr., the alleged leader of the Big U Enterprise and the notorious Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips (R60NHC) based in South Los Angeles, was arrested on Wednesday evening after voluntarily surrendering to federal authorities. This development followed hours of speculation about his whereabouts, with news outlets, including USA Today, reporting on his status as a fugitive earlier that day.
In a twist ahead of his arrest, Henley shared a video on social media which suggested he was en route to turn himself in. He proclaimed his innocence, arguing that he had always aimed to “help my community,”while also making allegations against others, including Luce Cannon and Wack 100, challenging their culpability in the charges against him.
Operation Draw Down: A Pivotal Strike Against Gang Activity
Alongside Henley, two other members of the alleged gang, Sylvester “Vey” Robinson and Mark “Bear Claw” Martin, were captured after attempting to avoid arrest. On this significant day, more than 10 individuals connected to the gang, including notable figures like Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon, were taken into custody as part of a federal operation dubbed Operation Draw Down. Several suspects, however, still remained at large at the time of this reporting.
Big U is not only a controversial figure in the streets but is also recognized as a community activist and philanthropist. Federal authorities revealed that Henley and his gang are implicated in a range of serious offenses, including extortion, drug trafficking, racketeering, and firearm violations, as well as the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper known as “R.W.”This revelation comes from a formal indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
“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.”
Understanding Big U’s Background and Criminal Allegations
As reported by USA Today, Big U, now 58 years old, emerges from the Hyde Park area of South Los Angeles and has allegedly been at the helm of the Big U Enterprise and the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips. Prosecutors describe him as having established a “mafia-like organization” that collaborates with various street gangs across the Los Angeles region.
The pending charges against Henley encompass a staggering array of serious offenses, including murder, extortion, robbery, illegal gambling, and human trafficking, among others. Legal documents assert that Henley was a significant influence within the Rollin’ 60s, a gang that gained prominence during the 1980s.
“Henley is widely regarded as a leader within the Rollin’ 60s and rose to prominence in the street gang during the 1980s.”
Henley also founded a nonprofit organization, Developing Options, in 2004, which was intended to guide youths away from violence and crime. However, authorities suggest that this organization served merely as a facade for his criminal activities, providing cover for gang members to evade law enforcement scrutiny.
Diving into the Specific Charges: Murder and Fraud Allegations
According to the criminal complaint, Henley is accused of orchestrating the January 2021 murder of the emerging rapper R.W., who was associated with Henley’s record label, Uneek Music. Reports indicate that R.W. was in Las Vegas to collaborate with a Grammy-winning producer when he encountered fatal conflict with Henley over a diss track directed at him.
The narrative paints a grim picture: Henley allegedly shot R.W. and subsequently attempted to dispose of the body in the Nevada desert. In addition, both he and Robinson are charged with attempting to erase any evidence by destroying surveillance footage and intimidating witnesses into silence regarding R.W.’s death.
The charges also include allegations that Henley fraudulently secured pandemic relief funds by lying about his record label’s financial status, claiming $200,000 in profits while actually facing a significant loss in revenue.
“I am proud to announce the arrests of violent criminals who seek to control Los Angeles through intimidation.”
Moreover, Henley faces accusations of defrauding celebrities and organizations that had offered donations to his nonprofit, diverting significant funds to personal accounts instead of their intended charitable purposes.
Henley’s operations received funding not only from private donors but also from city initiatives such as the Gang Reduction Youth Development Foundation in Los Angeles, as outlined in court documents that span over 100 pages.
Amid these grave allegations, Tyler Hatcher, the Special Agent in Charge of the IRS LA Field Office, emphasized the extensive criminal activities associated with Henley and commented on the deceptive nature of his community work.
“The RICO charges against Mr. Henley and his associates reflect a pattern of crimes that runs the gambit from extortion to tax evasion, all under the umbrella of a well-organized criminal organization led by Mr. Henley.”
As investigations continue, Joseph McNally, the Acting U.S. Attorney, highlighted during a press conference that the façade Henley had cultivated sharply contrasts with the violent, criminal reality his operations embody, aiming to create safer communities by removing such threats from the streets.
In closing, this unfolding narrative surrounding Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. underscores the complex interplay between community activism and gang leadership, raising critical discussions about crime, representation, and societal impact.