Eugene “Big U” Henley Indicted: Alleged Crips Leader Faces Federal RICO Charges
Los Angeles Gang Leader and Music Executive Eugene Henley Faces RICO Charges
LOS ANGELES, CA – Federal prosecutors have charged Eugene “Big U” Henley, a longtime figure in Los Angeles gang culture and the entertainment industry, with racketeering and multiple violent crimes. Henley, 58, is accused of leading a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal gambling.
The indictment, unsealed on March 19, 2025, charges Henley under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Two of his alleged associates, Sylvester Robinson, 59 (aka “Vey”), and Mark Martin, 50 (aka “Bear Claw”), were arrested and face similar charges. Henley, however, remains a fugitive.
RICO Indictment: How Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley’s Alleged Criminal Empire Fell
Prosecutors allege that Henley operated a “mafia-like” criminal organization known as the “Big U Enterprise,” using his long-standing ties to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips to control criminal activities across Los Angeles.
Key Allegations:
- Murder: Henley is accused of kidnapping and killing aspiring rapper Rayshawn Williams in January 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Authorities allege that after Williams recorded a diss song about Henley, he was lured to a recording session, abducted, and fatally shot in the desert.
- Extortion: Prosecutors claim that celebrities, athletes, and business owners were forced to “check in” with Henley when entering Los Angeles and pay him for “protection.” NBA players and recording artists were among the alleged victims.
- Fraud: Henley allegedly embezzled funds from his nonprofit organization, Developing Options, which claimed to provide community outreach and gang prevention services. Instead, authorities say the organization was used as a front to launder money.
- COVID-19 Relief Fraud: The indictment states that Henley fraudulently applied for pandemic relief loans by inflating financial records of his company, Uneek Music, which actually operated at a loss.
- Human Trafficking & Robbery: The criminal enterprise is accused of trafficking and exploiting sex workers, as well as orchestrating armed robberies, including a 2021 marijuana dispensary heist in Los Angeles.
Las Vegas Murder: Allegations That Henley Killed a Rapper Over a Diss Track
One of the most serious allegations in the case is the 2021 murder of 21-year-old rapper Rayshawn Williams. According to investigators:
- Williams was signed to Henley’s record label, Uneek Music.
- In January 2021, Uneek Music paid for Williams to travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to record music.
- Instead of recording as planned, Williams recorded a diss track about Henley.
- Feeling disrespected, Henley and Robinson drove to Las Vegas to confront him.
- On January 24, 2021, Henley allegedly forced Williams into a vehicle, drove him to the desert, shot him in the face, and left his body in a ditch near Interstate 15.
- After the murder, Henley allegedly erased security footage at the recording studio and warned witnesses to remain silent.
Williams’ body was found on January 25, 2021, with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities later linked Henley’s phone records and DNA evidence to the crime scene.
Mass Arrests & FBI Manhunt: The Nationwide Crackdown on Henley’s Network
The FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs worked with multiple agencies, including the IRS and LAPD, to build the case.
- March 18-19, 2025: 10 members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s were arrested in a multi-agency raid.
- 4 additional suspects were already in custody from previous arrests.
- 5 suspects remain at large, including Henley.
Authorities describe Henley as a fugitive and have launched a manhunt to locate him.
What’s at Stake? Potential Life Sentences for Henley and His Associates
- Eugene Henley: If convicted, Henley faces life in federal prison.
- Sylvester Robinson & Mark Martin: Both men face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on RICO charges.
From Music Mogul to Fugitive: How the Industry Reacted to Henley’s Indictment
Henley, known as a former gang leader turned music executive and community activist, has been a prominent figure in Los Angeles for decades. He has worked with major hip-hop artists and was featured in “Hip Hop Uncovered,” a documentary about street culture’s influence on rap music.
However, prosecutors allege that Henley used his reputation to conceal violent crimes, intimidate witnesses, and defraud businesses and donors. Federal officials say that despite presenting himself as an advocate for at-risk youth, Henley continued to engage in serious criminal activities behind the scenes.
FBI Search Continues: Where Is Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley Now?
- Henley remains a wanted fugitive. Federal authorities urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the FBI.
- Robinson and Martin are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
- Prosecutors are expected to seek the maximum penalties under federal RICO statutes.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Criminal complaints and indictments contain allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
