Longtime Rollin’ 60s Crips Leader “Big U” Indicted on RICO Charges, Alleged Ties to Murder, Fraud, and Human Trafficking

Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr., a well-known figure in South Los Angeles as both a former Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips leader and self-described community activist, is facing serious federal charges for allegedly running a criminal enterprise linked to murder, extortion, fraud, and human trafficking.

The 58-year-old, who has long been seen as an influential figure in the music and entertainment industry, was charged in a federal complaint under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The Justice Department alleges that Henley and his associates operated a mafia-style organization known as the “Big U Enterprise,” using fear, violence, and fraud to expand their influence.

Multiple Arrests and a Fugitive at LargeAlongside Henley, two alleged co-conspirators—Sylvester “Vey” Robinson, 59, and Mark “Bear Claw” Martin, 50—were arrested and are expected to appear in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Henley, however, remains a fugitive.

In a larger crackdown, law enforcement has arrested 10 additional Rollin’ 60s members and associates in the past 24 hours, with five more still at large.

A Criminal Empire Masquerading as Activism?

According to the affidavit, Henley leveraged his reputation as an “O.G.” (original gangster) and his nonprofit organization, Developing Options, to operate what prosecutors describe as a criminal syndicate under the guise of community activism.

Authorities allege that Developing Options, which was marketed as an anti-gang initiative, was used to embezzle large donations from high-profile celebrities, NBA players, and even the City of Los Angeles. Henley allegedly transferred these funds into his personal bank account while continuing to engage in violent and fraudulent activities.

2021 Murder of Aspiring Rapper “R.W.”

One of the most shocking allegations involves the murder of an aspiring rapper identified in court documents as “R.W.” Henley and Martin reportedly signed the artist to their music label, Uneek Music, and flew him to Las Vegas to record.

However, after R.W. released a song criticizing Henley, prosecutors say Henley and Robinson traveled to Vegas, abducted him, and fatally shot him. The victim’s body was later dumped in a desert off Interstate 15.

Henley allegedly ordered his team to wipe security footage and silence witnesses to cover up the crime.COVID-19 Fraud and Financial CrimesThe investigation also uncovered fraudulent COVID-19 relief applications. Prosecutors allege that Henley falsely claimed Uneek Music was a profitable business in order to secure a pandemic relief loan, despite financial records showing it operated at a loss.

Additionally, the Big U Enterprise is accused of engaging in illegal gambling, human trafficking, and extortion, often using intimidation tactics to control businesses and individuals in Los Angeles.

Law Enforcement’s Response

Federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Los Angeles Police Department, collaborated in the four-year investigation that led to these charges.“The allegations in this case expose a criminal enterprise operating under the false pretense of community activism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. “These arrests send a clear message: we will not tolerate organized crime.”

What’s Next?

If convicted, Henley faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while Robinson and Martin could receive up to 20 years each.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Henley’s whereabouts to contact the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

This case remains ongoing, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks.