After a brief search, federal authorities have arrested Eugene Henley Jr., also known as “Big U”, a longtime gang leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, in connection with a wide-ranging criminal enterprise. Henley, 58, was taken into custody Wednesday evening, according to an announcement by the FBI.
Henley is one of 18 gang members facing federal charges, including murder, drug trafficking, extortion, and human trafficking. Federal prosecutors allege that Henley operated a “mafia-like” criminal network while presenting himself as an entertainment entrepreneur and anti-gang activist.
Henley is accused of running what investigators call the “Big U Enterprise”, a criminal operation that engaged in violence, fraud, and organized crime. Prosecutors also allege he used his anti-gang charity, Developing Options, as a front to embezzle donations and shield gang activity from law enforcement scrutiny.
Among the most serious charges, Henley is suspected in the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper, identified as “R.W.”, who was signed to Henley’s Uneek Music label. According to prosecutors, R.W. was lured to a Las Vegas studio, where Henley allegedly killed him over a “defamatory song” about the gang leader. The rapper’s body was later found in a ditch off Interstate 15 in Nevada.
Henley is also accused of:
- Extortion and robbery
- Human trafficking and exploitation of sex workers
- Fraud, including filing a fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan application
- Illegal gambling operations
Federal authorities arrested 10 gang members this week, while Henley and one other suspect were initially on the run. By Wednesday night, the FBI confirmed both had been captured. Several of the other defendants were already in custody before this latest operation.
Henley is expected to face trial on multiple federal charges, and if convicted, could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison. It remains unclear whether he has retained legal counsel.
Federal prosecutors say the case highlights the depth of organized crime within gang networks and their efforts to disrupt violent criminal enterprises operating under the cover of legitimate businesses and charities.
