Latest news with #HipHopUncovered
Express Tribune
28-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Big U faces 43-count federal indictment in RICO case tied to Rollin' 60s Crips and wire fraud
Eugene 'Big U' Henley, a prominent name in hip-hop and former subject of FX's Hip Hop Uncovered, is now at the center of a sweeping federal investigation. On March 19, Henley was taken into custody in Los Angeles, and days later, prosecutors unsealed a massive 43-count indictment against him, detailing allegations of racketeering, fraud, extortion, and much more. '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 United States Attorney Joseph McNally in a press release. '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.' The indictment claims Henley ran an operation called the 'Big U Enterprise,' using his influence within the Rollin' 60s Crips and other gangs to orchestrate crimes across Los Angeles. The group is accused of being involved in murder, extortion, robbery, sex trafficking, wire fraud, illegal gambling, and embezzlement. Prosecutors say Henley and his associates—Sylvester Robinson, Mark Martin, Termaine Ashley Williams, Armani Aflleje, Fredrick Blanton Jr., and Tiffany Shanrika Hines—are all currently in federal custody. Henley's charges include conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and extortion, attempted extortion, transportation of an individual across state lines for prostitution, wire fraud, embezzlement of federal funds, bank fraud, tax evasion, and failure to file tax returns. Authorities allege that his operation not only targeted businesses and individuals but also misused funds from organizations receiving government support. Feds in Los Angeles today announced a new 43-count indictment against accused Rollin' 60s Crips gangster and music executive Eugene "Big U" Henley, who was arrested last week. He's to be arraigned April 8. — Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) March 27, 2025 This case marks a dramatic fall from grace for Henley, who in recent years had built a public image centered around mentorship, anti-violence work, and community development. The indictment, however, suggests a far more sinister narrative unfolding behind the scenes. Henley is scheduled to be arraigned on April 8 in Los Angeles. If convicted on all counts, he could face decades behind bars.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hip-hop exec faces RICO charges for allegedly running gang
A prominent figure in the hip-hop community has been hit with RICO and other charges for the alleged extortion of sports stars, kidnapping, robbery and the murder of a young rapper under his tutelage. Eugene 'Big U' Henley, a longtime leader of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips, and multiple associates were named in an affidavit from the United States Department of Justice released Wednesday. That set of the Crips is well-known in hip-hop, especially given the prominence of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, and prosecutors say its members served as Henley's muscle as he controlled the Los Angeles area, forcing celebrities from out of town to 'check in' and pay a protection fee. He also allegedly forced organizers of parties and gambling in the area to do the same. 'While HENLEY and other supporters attempt to persuade the public that the 'check in' provides safety and security for those who do so, as set forth herein, HENLEY and the Big U Enterprise also manufacture the very danger they purport to protect against,' federal officials said in the affidavit. The practice is widespread, the affidavit explains, and it didn't affect his standing in the hip-hop community. 'If I was to describe Big U's role in rap, he would definitely be the godfather,' Wiz Khalifa said in the 'Hip Hop Uncovered' docuseries, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. 'Can't do nothing without consulting him. He's the only guy who does move how he moves.' 'Checking in' wasn't Henley's only source of income. As the Times details, businesses and celebrities like NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Draymond Green were allegedly convinced to donate to Henley's charities, only for that money to be transferred to Henley's personal bank accounts. He also is accused of organizing a robbery of a cannabis dispensary that stopped paying protection, as well as obtaining money from the L.A. mayor's office through its the Gang Reduction Youth Development program and the federal government for pandemic-relief loans. The charges listed in the affidavit include Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act conspiracy, interference with commerce by robbery, transportation of an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution and bank fraud. While it's not listed as a charge, officials allege Henley killed young rapper Rayshawn Williams in 2021 as well. Henley remains a fugitive, officials said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
