Eugene “Big U” Henley, the former manager of late rapper Nipsey Hussle and once a celebrated community figure, has found himself at the center of a massive federal investigation.
Henley, a founding member of the notorious Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, faces multiple charges stemming from an extensive criminal enterprise involving murder, human trafficking, extortion, and even fraud.
The U.S. Department of Justice recently filed a federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) complaint against Henley.
The charges stem from an alleged murder he orchestrated in January 2021, in which a young aspiring rapper was gunned down in Las Vegas.
Henley and his co-defendant, Sylvester “Vey” Robinson, allegedly murdered the rapper after he released a diss track aimed at Henley.
The crime did not stop there—after shooting the victim, the pair dumped his body in the desert and threatened witnesses to cover up their involvement.
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Henley’s reach extended beyond the streets. The investigation revealed he used his supposed “anti-gang” nonprofit, Developing Options, to extort money from local businesses and even embezzle funds meant for youth programs and gang prevention. He is accused of pilfering millions of dollars in government grants and COVID-19 relief funds.
Federal authorities describe Henley as the leader of a violent, mafia-like operation, using his power in the rap world to intimidate athletes and musicians.
Henley allegedly forced celebrities to “check in” for “protection” while visiting Los Angeles, leveraging his reputation within the Rollin’ 60s to fuel a widespread scheme of robberies and violent extortion.
Henley, who served time in prison in the past, is now on the run, with federal authorities intensifying their efforts to capture him.
Several individuals connected to Henley, including part-time rappers Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon, have been arrested.
Henley’s crimes, if convicted, could lead to up to 20 years in prison, with a potential life sentence if convicted of murder.
The investigation is ongoing as federal authorities continue to uncover more details about Henley’s empire of crime and the dark side of the Los Angeles music scene.
