Eugene “Big U” Henley, the former manager of rapper Nipsey Hussle and a founding member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang, is now facing a federal RICO complaint that includes serious charges such as murder, human trafficking, and extortion.
Known as the “godfather” of rap, Henley has been linked to numerous criminal activities, including the alleged orchestrating of the murder of an aspiring rapper in Las Vegas in January 2021.
Federal authorities describe Henley as the leader of a “mafia-like organization.” He and co-defendant Sylvester “Vey” Robinson are accused of traveling to North Las Vegas, where they fatally shot an unnamed rapper after he allegedly released a diss track against Henley.
It is reported that they disposed of the rapper’s body by dragging it off Interstate 15 into the desert and leaving it in a ditch. Following the incident, Henley and Robinson returned to Los Angeles, where they allegedly threatened witnesses and destroyed surveillance footage from the recording studio.
The complaint highlights a vast criminal enterprise in which Henley is accused of using intimidation to extort local businesses, including millions allegedly embezzled from the office of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass under the pretense of anti-gang community programs.
He is also accused of fraudulently securing a COVID-19 relief loan for his record label and misappropriating funds designated for community services.
During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally condemned Henley, asserting that he and his organization were violent criminals posing as anti-gang activists and music entrepreneurs.
The complaint further alleges that Henley extorted professional athletes and musicians, demanding they “check in” for “protection” when visiting Los Angeles, using his reputation as a leader of the Rollin’ 60s to intimidate them.
Henley, who previously served 13 years in prison for attempting to rob an undercover deputy in 1991, is currently a fugitive. Federal authorities have apprehended several individuals connected to Henley’s alleged crimes, including part-time rappers Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon, who often appeared on the ‘No Jumper’ podcast. The charges against Henley and his associates include robbery, human trafficking, bank fraud, and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Henley’s criminal activities reportedly extended to fraudulently obtaining funding from L.A. Mayor’s office grants aimed at gang reduction and youth development programs. He also allegedly misappropriated substantial amounts from celebrity donations intended for his nonprofit, Developing Options, which focuses on gang intervention and youth support.
An FBI investigation uncovered a history of robberies and extortion linked to Henley’s criminal network, including the robbery of an unlicensed marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles.
Henley is accused of extorting up to $25,000 per month from the dispensary before orchestrating a violent robbery when payments ceased. In a separate incident during his birthday party in December 2021, he allegedly extorted $30,000 from a victim.
Henley’s nonprofit, Developing Options, which received millions in city grants, is also under scrutiny for regulatory noncompliance. He is accused of using these funds to bankroll his criminal operations. Facing charges that could result in a maximum of 20 years in prison, he could potentially receive a life sentence if convicted of murder.
Despite his criminal background, Henley was often perceived in the rap community as a reformed gang member and community advocate, having worked with artists like Kurupt and Nipsey Hussle, whom he mentored.
However, authorities have now unveiled his violent and fraudulent dealings, and the investigation continues to reveal more about his extensive criminal network and influence in the Los Angeles area.
