Eugene “Big U” Henley has made his first courtroom appearance as he faces a magnitude of federal charges. According to CBS News, the 58-year-old pleaded not guilty on a single count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, as well as multiple counts of robbery, extortion, wire fraud, and embezzlement.
Henley surrendered to authorities last month after he exclaimed, “I ain’t did nothing,” on social media. Federal authorities accused him of being a longtime leader of the South Los Angeles-based Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, and running the mafia-like “Big U Enterprise” organization. Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal are among the celebrities who were allegedly defrauded by Henley in his financial schemes.
In the takedown, 10 alleged Rollin’ 60s members and associates were charged with various federal crimes, including drug trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and firearms offenses.
Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley, Dave Love, Chris Brown, Skipp Townsend and Deputy Mayor Guillermo Cespedes unite at The Jungles on July 20, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
“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,” detailed acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally in a statement.
“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.”
Henley was featured in the 2021 six-part television docuseries Hip-Hop Uncovered on FX, where he gave viewers a detailed look into his lifestyle from the streets to succeeding as a music executive. He worked with both Nipsey Hussle and Kurupt in his career and launched the label Uneek Music. His son, Daiyan Henley, currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers NFL team as a linebacker.
If convicted, Henley could spend the rest of his life in prison.
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