Big U faces 43-count federal indictment in RICO case tied to Rollin’ 60s Crips and wire fraud

Eugene “Big U” Henley, a prominent name in hip-hop and former subject of FX’s Hip Hop Uncovered, is now at the center of a sweeping federal investigation. On March 19, Henley was taken into custody in Los Angeles, and days later, prosecutors unsealed a massive 43-count indictment against him, detailing allegations of racketeering, fraud, extortion, and much more.

“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,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally in a press release. “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.”

The indictment claims Henley ran an operation called the “Big U Enterprise,” using his influence within the Rollin’ 60s Crips and other gangs to orchestrate crimes across Los Angeles. The group is accused of being involved in murder, extortion, robbery, sex trafficking, wire fraud, illegal gambling, and embezzlement. Prosecutors say Henley and his associates—Sylvester Robinson, Mark Martin, Termaine Ashley Williams, Armani Aflleje, Fredrick Blanton Jr., and Tiffany Shanrika Hines—are all currently in federal custody.

Henley's charges include conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and extortion, attempted extortion, transportation of an individual across state lines for prostitution, wire fraud, embezzlement of federal funds, bank fraud, tax evasion, and failure to file tax returns. Authorities allege that his operation not only targeted businesses and individuals but also misused funds from organizations receiving government support.