LA Crips Leader Big U Denied Bail in Federal RICO Case

Los Angeles gang leader Eugene Henley Jr., known on the streets as “Big U,” must remain in jail until his trial on federal racketeering, fraud, and extortion charges after he was denied bail.

Henley appeared in court on Tuesday, April 22, as several members of his family looked on, according to Courthouse News Service.

U.S. Magistrate Judge A. Joel Richlin declined to grant him bail at the hearing, saying he posed a threat to the community and was a flight risk.

Before the ruling, U.S. Attorney Kevin Butler described Henley as the “self-professed most dangerous man in L.A.,” and said potential witnesses feared he might retaliate against them if released.

Henley, 58, surrendered to authorities on March 19 after he was named in a 43-count federal indictment that charged him with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), along with multiple counts of robbery, extortion, wire fraud, embezzlement, human trafficking, and failure to file a tax return.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his initial court appearance on April 8. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Six others were also charged in the case.

In a press release, federal prosecutors said he ran the South Los Angeles-based Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang. He also had a record label called Uneek Music, and starred in and executive produced the 2021 FX docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered.

The Department of Justice alleged Henley used his charity called Developing Options — which was marketed as giving South L.A. youth an alternative to gangs and drugs — to allegedly siphon money for personal use. Prosecutors said Henley embezzled money from the charity after receiving millions of dollars from celebrities and the Los Angeles mayor’s office Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation.

In an Instagram live video just before surrendering to authorities, Big U said he was set up. He accused the FBI of targeting Black men “who try to help their community.”

“I guess it is what it is,” he said. “This [is] the price of being Black and trying to help somebody. Trying to help your community. You’re just guilty because somebody else don’t like you.”

“It’s crazy,” he added, “I ain’t did nothing.”

Henley is also a music executive and runs a charity called Developing Options, as previously reported.

The nonprofit’s website says it offers young people in South Los Angeles “choices beyond the gang violence, drug, and crime through advocacy, education, resources, training and development and sports.”

Since 2004, the charity says it has served over 6,000 people by providing access to youth sports, athletic camps, celebrity concerts, food and clothing drives.

The Department of Justice alleges the charity is a front for fraudulent activity.