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Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Accused Crips leader charged in ‘mafia-like' crime ring busted by feds
A rap executive and alleged high-level Crips street gang leader was charged with dozens of federal crimes Thursday for what the Department of Justice (DOJ) called a "mafia-like" criminal enterprise. Eugene "Big U" Henley, Jr., 58, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act involving his alleged Los Angeles-based organized crime syndicate, according to the DOJ. Other charges against Henley involve nine counts of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, five counts of Hobbs Act extortion, one count related to an interstate prostitution ring, 15 counts of wire fraud, five counts of embezzlement for allegedly stealing from a charity that received federal funding and funding from the city of Los Angeles, one count of bank fraud, one count of tax evasion and two counts of willful failure to file a tax return. Blue Sanctuary State Operating As 'Control' Center For Vicious Migrant Gang: Acting Dea Chief The Hobbs Act prohibits "actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce," according to the DOJ. "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," Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California Joseph McNally said in a release announcing the charges. Read On The Fox News App "Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice's top priority. Today's charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer." According to the indictment, Henley operated "Big U Enterprise," what the DOJ calls his "mafia-like" criminal organization from 2010 to March of this year, using his stature within the Rollin' 60s Crips street gang to expand his power through fear and intimidation. However, the DOJ said Henley's "Big U Enterprise" operated separately from the gang. Denver Suburb Experiencing A 'Complete Gang Takeover,' City Council Member Claims "While the Big U Enterprise at times partnered with the Rollin' 60s and other criminal elements for mutual benefit, the Big U Enterprise is a distinct and independent criminal enterprise engaged in criminal activity including murder, extortion, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud, and illegal gambling," according to the DOJ. The murder claim is related to Henley's alleged 2021 killing of a rapper signed to his record label Uneek Music. Henley is accused of shooting and killing a victim, identified only as "R.W.," for recording a defamatory song about Henley. Henley is also accused of using an anti-gang charity he founded and directed, Developing Options, to protect gang members with whom he was associated. He also allegedly embezzled funds from the charity, which was supported by grants from Los Angeles' Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation. GRYD is also partially funded with federal grant money. Former New York Detective Convicted Of Lying To Fbi To Protect Mafia Family According to Yahoo! Sports, former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal donated to GRYD. So did current NBA player Draymond Green. The Developing Options website has a front-page photo of rapper Snoop Dogg posing with youth football players. The Los Angeles Times reported that Henley helped launch the career of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, a fellow Rollin' 60s Crip who was shot and killed in Los Angeles in 2021. Henley was also featured in the FX docuseries "Hip-Hop Uncovered." "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," said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. "Additionally, Mr. Henley allegedly duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charitable organization that promoted anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity that was directly contrary to his charity. IRS-CI is proud to partner with fellow law enforcement organizations to investigate these criminal organizations to protect our communities from further harm." The FBI was credited with assisting in the investigation. "Mr. Henley looks forward to a vigorous defense of these charges and maintains his innocence," his attorney John Targowski told Fox News article source: Accused Crips leader charged in 'mafia-like' crime ring busted by feds
Fox News
28-03-2025
- Fox News
Accused Crips leader charged in ‘mafia-like' crime ring busted by feds
A rap executive and alleged high-level Crips street gang leader was charged with dozens of federal crimes Thursday for what the Department of Justice (DOJ) called a "mafia-like" criminal enterprise. Eugene "Big U" Henley, Jr., 58, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act involving his alleged Los Angeles-based organized crime syndicate, according to the DOJ. Other charges against Henley involve nine counts of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, five counts of Hobbs Act extortion, one count related to an interstate prostitution ring, 15 counts of wire fraud, five counts of embezzlement for allegedly stealing from a charity that received federal funding and funding from the city of Los Angeles, one count of bank fraud, one count of tax evasion and two counts of willful failure to file a tax return. The Hobbs Act prohibits "actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce," according to the DOJ. "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," Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California Joseph McNally said in a release announcing the charges. "Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice's top priority. Today's charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer." According to the indictment, Henley operated "Big U Enterprise," what the DOJ calls his "mafia-like" criminal organization from 2010 to March of this year, using his stature within the Rollin' 60s Crips street gang to expand his power through fear and intimidation. However, the DOJ said Henley's "Big U Enterprise" operated separately from the gang. "While the Big U Enterprise at times partnered with the Rollin' 60s and other criminal elements for mutual benefit, the Big U Enterprise is a distinct and independent criminal enterprise engaged in criminal activity including murder, extortion, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud, and illegal gambling," according to the DOJ. The murder claim is related to Henley's alleged 2021 killing of a rapper signed to his record label Uneek Music. Henley is accused of shooting and killing a victim, identified only as "R.W.," for recording a defamatory song about Henley. Henley is also accused of using an anti-gang charity he founded and directed, Developing Options, to protect gang members with whom he was associated. He also allegedly embezzled funds from the charity, which was supported by grants from Los Angeles' Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation. GRYD is also partially funded with federal grant money. According to Yahoo! Sports, former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal donated to GRYD. So did current NBA player Draymond Green. The Developing Options website has a front-page photo of rapper Snoop Dogg posing with youth football players. The Los Angeles Times reported that Henley helped launch the career of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, a fellow Rollin' 60s Crip who was shot and killed in Los Angeles in 2021. Henley was also featured in the FX docuseries "Hip-Hop Uncovered." "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," said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. "Additionally, Mr. Henley allegedly duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charitable organization that promoted anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity that was directly contrary to his charity. IRS-CI is proud to partner with fellow law enforcement organizations to investigate these criminal organizations to protect our communities from further harm." The FBI was credited with assisting in the investigation. "Mr. Henley looks forward to a vigorous defense of these charges and maintains his innocence," his attorney John Targowski told Fox News Digital.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
'Operation Draw Down': Eugene 'Big U' Henley Jr., accused of 'mafia-like' crimes, due in court
The Brief LA music executive Eugene Henley, also known as "Big U," is expected to appear in court Thursday. Henley is charged in the complaint with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Authorities also accuse Henley of murdering a young Las Vegas rapper, Rayshawn Williams, in 2021. LOS ANGELES - Prominent Los Angeles music executive Eugene Henley Jr., known as "Big U," surrendered to federal agents amid allegations of leading a criminal enterprise linked to the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips. Charged with conspiracy under the RICO Act, Henley faces accusations of murder, fraud, and other crimes. He is expected to appear in court Thursday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Alleged LA Crips leader, music exec Big U accused of 'mafia-like' crimes What we know Henley, founder of Big U Enterprise, is charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. He is accused of leveraging connections with the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips to run a criminal enterprise involved in murder, trafficking, and fraud. Henley surrendered to federal agents alongside Bryan Mejia, with both expected to appear in court. Operation Draw Down Yesterday, officials said 10 other alleged gang members and associates had been arrested and charged with various federal crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and firearms offenses. Four defendants were already in custody. Two other alleged members of the criminal enterprise – Sylvester Robinson, 59, a.k.a. "Vey," of Northridge, and Mark Martin, 50, a.k.a. "Bear Claw," of the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles – were arrested Wednesday on the same criminal complaint in which Henley is charged. The Indictment According to the affidavit unsealed along with the criminal complaint, Henley's criminal group identified in court documents as the "Big U Enterprise" operated as a "mafia-like organization" that used Henley's stature and longtime association with the Rollin' 60s and other street gangs to intimidate individuals and businesses in LA from 2010 on. "While the Big U Enterprise at times partnered with the Rollin' 60s and other criminal elements for mutual benefit, the Big U Enterprise is a distinct and independent criminal enterprise engaged in criminal activity including murder, extortion, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud, and illegal gambling," court documents read. The complaint details Henley's involvement in the 2021 murder of aspiring rapper Rayshawn Williams, and fraudulent activities, including embezzling large donations from celebrities and award-winning companies meant for his nonprofit, Developing Options. According to the complaint, Henley immediately converted those donations to his personal bank account. Additionally, Henley allegedly submitted a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan in which he claimed that Uneek Music, his music promotion company, was operating at a $200,000 profit in 2019 despite operating at a $5,000 loss that year, which should have disqualified it from loan eligibility. Developing Options is primarily funded through the City of Los Angeles's Mayor's Office through the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, portions of which receive federal funding, but also receives donations from prominent sources, including NBA players, the complaint said. The backstory Henley, widely regarded as a leader in the Rollin' 60s, rose to prominence in the 1980s. He played a significant role in launching the career of late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Henley has a history of criminal activity, including a 13-year prison sentence for attempting to steal cocaine from an undercover deputy in 1991. What they're saying Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "The allegations in the complaint unsealed today reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud." Akil Davis from the FBI highlighted the long-standing criminal behavior, noting the efforts to bring justice and improve safety in Los Angeles neighborhoods. By the numbers 10 Arrests: Resulting from the FBI investigation into the alleged criminal conspiracy. 4 Already in Custody: Additional suspects in state custody. 5 More Defendants: Law enforcement is seeking additional individuals involved. What's next If convicted, Henley would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, authorities said. The Source Information for this story is from a press conference held by the U.S Department of Justice and the FBI on March 19, 2025, in Los Angeles.
The Guardian
20-03-2025
- The Guardian
Federal authorities arrest LA street gang leader Eugene ‘Big U' Henley Jr
Federal authorities have taken into custody on Wednesday, a longtime leader of a Los Angeles street gang who investigators say ran a 'mafia-like' criminal enterprise that included murder, human trafficking and extortion while he also worked as an entertainment entrepreneur, after a brief search, officials announced. Eugene Henley Jr, known as 'Big U,' was one of 18 members of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips charged in a federal complaint with a litany of federal crimes including drug trafficking, conspiracy and firearms offenses, the United States attorney's office said in a statement. Ten gang members were arrested this week while Henley, 58, and one other were initially considered fugitives, the statement said. The FBI announced on X Wednesday evening that both had been taken into custody. Other defendants were already in custody. Henley allegedly masterminded a criminal operation that investigators dubbed the 'Big U Enterprise,' and is also suspected of embezzling donations to Developing Options, an anti-gang charity he founded, but which prosecutors say he used 'as a front for fraudulent purposes and to insulate its members from suspicion by law enforcement'. He is suspected in the 2021 killing of an aspiring rap musician who was signed to his recording company, Uneek Music, according to prosecutors. The rapper, identified in court documents as 'R.W.,' was allegedly shot and killed by Henley after he recorded a 'defamatory song' about the gang leader at a Las Vegas studio, prosecutors said. R.W.'s body was found in a ditch off Interstate 15 in the Nevada desert. Prosecutors said Henley ran the enterprise like a mob boss and used his stature and long-standing association with the Rollin' 60s and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles. 'Not only did the enterprise expand its power through violence, fear, and intimidation, but it also used social media platforms, documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and Henley's reputation and status as an 'O.G.' (original gangster) to create fame for — and stoke fear of — the Big U Enterprise, its members, and its associates,' the US attorney's statement said. Henley is accused of organizing criminal activity including extortion, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud and illegal gambling. In addition, he's suspected of submitting a fraudulent application for a Covid-19 pandemic relief loan for Uneek Music. It wasn't known Wednesday if Henley has an attorney. If convicted, he could face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Eugene 'Big U' Henley Arrested In Rollin' 60s Crips RICO Takedown
On Wednesday (March 19) federal authorities moved to take down the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips, naming music executive Eugene 'Big U' Henley as the leading defendant. Initially listed as a fugitive, Henley was taken into custody later that night, according to the Associated Press. The press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California accuses Henley and more than a dozen others of crimes including extortion, murder, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud, and more. Before turning himself in, Henley spoke to his followers on Instagram discussing the entire ordeal, his property being raided, and accusing Wack 100, and 600 of helping law enforcement in his arrest. 'If you had something against a Black man you should handle it with a Black man in the streets. Wack said 100 times he was gonna take my contracts, he working with the FBI,' Henley exclaimed. 'I ain't been nothing but help to our community. But I guess it is what it is. This is the price 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 and they go on the internet and do what the f**k they want to and y'all gon' promote it.' He ended by exclaiming 'I ain't did nothing.' In the press release, authorities allege Henley orchestrated the 'Big U Enterprise' from 2010 to present day, operating in a mafia-like fashion. He is accused of using his long-standing association with the Rollin' 60s, where he is allegedly regarded as a leader, and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles. Despite affiliations, the U.S. attorney's office describes the 'Big U Enterprise' as a distinct and independent criminal enterprise. Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon, affiliates of the No Jumper LA podcast, were also arrested. Federal investigators also name Sylvester Robinson, 59, a.k.a. 'Vey,' of Northridge, and Mark Martin, 50, a.k.a. 'Bear Claw,' of the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles among those taken into custody. In total, 10 alleged Rollin' 60s members and associates were arrested and charged with various federal crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and firearms offenses. 'From day one, the Los Angeles Police Department has been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the FBI in this critical investigation,' said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. 'The invaluable expertise provided by the Operations South Bureau FBI Task Force on the Rollin' 60's criminal street gang has played a pivotal role in securing these charges. This is a major step forward in our ongoing fight against gang violence, and it brings hope and relief to a community that has endured far too much. Together, we will continue to protect and serve, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.' Henley is also accused of murdering a victim identified in the affidavit as 'R.W.' Identified by the Los Angeles Times as Rayshawn Williams, the aspiring rapper was signed to Henley's Uneek Music label. Williams was killed in January 2021, after recording an alleged diss track that Andrew Roosa, a special agent with the FBI, believes was directed toward Henley. The outlet noted that according to Williams' family, Henley had coached the young rapper in football since he was young. According to the press statement, Henley and Uneek Music paid for Williams to travel to Las Vegas for a studio session where a dispute over an agreed-upon rate reportedly resulted in the aforementioned song. Henley and Robinson allegedly traveled to Las Vegas to confront Williams, shot him in the head, and left his body in a ditch. Authorities also claim Henley submitted a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan and defrauded donors by using funds meant for community enrichment through non-profits set up for embezzlement. According to the Times, celebrities would have to pay Henley for protection and approval 'or face retaliation from the Big U Enterprise.' If convicted, Henley could spend the rest of his life behind bars. More from Adam22 Offers Bricc Baby Support Amid Arrest, Plans To Document Ordeal Bricc Baby Arrested In Rollin' 60s Gang Takedown In Los Angeles Tony Buzbee Withdraws As Attorney On Several Diddy Lawsuits
