Movies

L.A. Crip leader turned gang interventionist ran ‘mafia-like’ enterprise, feds allege

BBG News

It was revealed on Wednesday that Eugene “Big U” Henley, a prominent figure in the Crips who played a significant role in kick-starting Nipsey Hussle’s music career and was known as rap’s “godfather,” is facing accusations for various crimes including murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, and fraud by federal officials.

In the realm of L.A.’s supposed dominion by Henley, it’s claimed that potential victims had to give him a heads-up before setting foot in the city, ostensibly for ‘protection’. As per a 107-page federal indictment disclosed on Wednesday, this was the modus operandi of the 58-year-old man. The individuals Henley is accused of exploiting hail from professional sports and music, where their ventures weren’t always above board, the complaint suggests.

Federal officials compared Henley’s “Big U Enterprise” to a powerful, mafia-style group, asserting that he leveraged his influence and long-standing ties with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to bully businesses and individuals in Los Angeles through intimidation.

At a press briefing on Wednesday morning, authorities identified Henley as an evader. However, by the afternoon, they reported that he had surrendered himself. Approximately a dozen individuals associated with the extensive criminal investigation have been detained.

Henley “has been portrayed as a successful entrepreneur in the entertainment industry who also contributes to the Los Angeles community,” U.S. Atty. Joseph T. McNally stated at the press conference. “However, the accusations in the complaint reveal a completely different individual. They depict a murderer, a thief, a deceiver, and a swindler, along with the accomplices who supported him in his criminal activities.

As a film enthusiast, I’m eager to share that the recent arrests are part of an ongoing initiative aimed at enhancing community safety and clearing our streets of notorious criminal street gangs, among them being those controlled by ruthless felons like Mr. Henley, who is well-known as a key figure within the Rollin’ 60s.

Over the course of several years, federal officials have charged Henley with abducting a young rapper, murdering him by shooting him in the face, and abandoning his corpse in the Nevada desert due to perceived disrespect. Additionally, they accuse him of orchestrating a robbery at an unlicensed Los Angeles marijuana dispensary that had ceased making extortion payments.

Henley’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Apart from accusations of fraud, Henley is said to have deceived various companies, patrons, athletes, and celebrities such as NBA star Draymond Green and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. The alleged scheme involved persuading them to contribute to his charities, only for the money subsequently to be moved into Henley’s personal bank accounts.

Officials have also pointed fingers at Henley for allegedly deceiving funds from the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program administered by the Los Angeles mayor’s office. The non-profit received $2.35 million from the city, as stated in the complaint, from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023. Henley’s organization is among over 20 participating in GRYD, according to city records.

De’Marcus Finnell, spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, declared that our city firmly rejects any form of misconduct. Over the last two years, we have strengthened our supervision of GRYD initiatives.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: “The City maintains tight control mechanisms, yet a claim suggests an intricate scheme to bypass these controls across multiple funding sources, even the City itself. This alleged activity is not indicative of the GRYD program as a whole, which has been instrumental in reducing gang violence citywide for two consecutive years.

Previously, Henley spent 13 years behind bars due to an attempt to steal 33 pounds of cocaine from an undercover sheriff’s deputy in 1991. Remarkably, his son plays as a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers football team.

In Los Angeles, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Henry, along with his suspected associate Sylvester Robinson (aged 59), and confidant Mark Martin (aged 50), are being accused of breaching the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Authorities on a federal level have additionally implicated Termaine Williams, known as “Luce Cannon,” for robbery, Armani Aflleje, also known as “Mani,” for moving an individual for the purpose of prostitution, and Fredrick Blanton Jr. and Tiffany Hines for bank fraud. All five individuals are currently in custody.

Officials reported this morning that over the past day, they apprehended ten individuals linked to the Rollin’ 60s gang, along with their affiliates. Notably, four of these suspects were previously detained.

According to an affidavit submitted alongside the criminal charge, FBI special agent Andrew Roosa stated that individuals linked to the Big U Enterprise leveraged Henley’s background and the gang’s standing to exercise power over Los Angeles via threats, violence, and intimidation.

According to Roosa, Henley tried to give a sense of authenticity to the Big U Enterprise by presenting himself as a former gang member who was now dedicated to improving his neighborhood.

Las Vegas killing

Five days before his killing in January 2021, Rayshawn Williams recorded a diss song.

In his statement, Roosa declared that he thought the diss track by Williams targeted Henley. The record label, Uneek Music, run by Henley, was managing the young rapper at the time. It’s uncertain if Henley had listened to the diss lyrics before the incident, as stated in the complaint.

According to Roosa’s write-up, Williams referred to Henley as “the guy who earns some cash” in his diss track. Williams also rapped about the possibility of getting shot for finding things amusing and mentioned a .38 revolver with no traceable history.

On January 25th, I came across the unfortunate discovery of William’s body nearby a landfill, hidden in a ditch. A revolver had taken his life, leaving no empty bullet casings behind.

In the lawsuit, Williams is merely referred to by his initials. However, The Times managed to verify his full name using local news articles from Las Vegas and various social media platforms.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can share that back in January 2021, Uneek Music covered my travel expenses from California to Las Vegas, and arranged an Airbnb for me to stay in. This is according to the complaint filed. Interestingly, it was shared by my family that Henley had been coaching me in football since I was a kid. The plan was for me to spend a week at a recording studio, aiming to produce a song each day. However, I missed some of those days.

On January 23rd, when Williams failed to appear at the studio, it was reported that Henley and Robinson journeyed from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with the intention of confronting him. A close friend of Williams, referred to as C.A., narrated that Henley arrived at the Airbnb around 2 a.m. on January 24th.

In simpler terms, Henley inquired about why Williams failed to appear at the studio; this was relayed to the relevant authorities by C.A. Williams explained that he lacked transportation.

In a statement, Roosa expressed his conviction that R.W.’s time-wasting actions tarnished HENLEY’s name and harmed the Big U Enterprise’s reputation. Furthermore, these actions may have been disrespectful, as they were reflected in a ‘diss’ song, which eventually escalated into a disagreement.

Around 7 pm, Henley showed up at the studio. Williams joined later, around 9 pm, and they kept recording until midnight, as confirmed by witnesses to the authorities. At approximately 12:30 am, Henley exited the studio. The dark gray Lexus that Henley and Robinson had arrived in was no longer visible at the studio.

Approximately an hour before 1 a.m., the location data from Henley’s phone ceased to be transmitted and resumed around 2:15 a.m.

1:13 a.m., as stated in the complaint, a dark or silver sedan was recorded by the surveillance camera at Williams’ Airbnb residence. Upon exiting from the car’s passenger side, Williams went inside, retrieved his luggage, and departed despite the fact that he had another day left on the rental and wasn’t due to depart for his flight until the following day.

At around 3 a.m., it was reported that Henley arrived at the studio by himself. This individual seemed wet, whether due to perspiration or having just stepped out of the pool or shower, as Henley claimed to have come straight from the gym, according to the statement in the complaint.

At approximately 9 am on January 25th, several hours later, the body of Williams was discovered in a ditch. The cause of his death was gunshot wounds.

Investigators analyzed DNA found on Williams’ body against Henley’s known DNA profile. The findings were “inconclusive,” yet they could not rule out Henley as a possible suspect, as stated in the complaint.

As stated in the complaint, following the murder, Henley orchestrated the removal of recording equipment from the studio and the destruction of any surveillance videos. Roosa mentioned his belief that these videos would have depicted a dispute between Henley and Williams on the night of the homicide, at the very least showing Henley and another person (R.W.) exiting the studio together just before R.W.’s death.

One month following Williams’ demise, the FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs initiated a probe into Big U Enterprise, focusing on their connections with the Rollin’ 60s gang.

‘Original gangster’

As a dedicated cinephile, I proudly acknowledge my membership among the pioneers of the iconic Rollin’ 60s crew, often referred to as an “Original Gangster” or “OG.” According to my sworn statement, I am recognized as a respected leader within this esteemed group.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Hip Hop Uncovered” is an engrossing six-part documentary series that I had the privilege to witness. As a first-generation member of the Rollin’ 60s crew, Henry, one of the executive producers, paints a vivid picture of himself in this production. This series boldly claims to delve into the “power players” who wield influence from behind the curtains of hip hop culture.

Henley admitted that he used to steal cars during his youth and was expelled from California. Later, he shifted to Chicago. Upon coming back to L.A. in the 1980s, he established his notoriety by physically assaulting individuals in the parking lot of the World on Wheels Mid-City roller rink.

During the 1980s, according to Roosa’s statement, Henley gained a “tough and well-deserved reputation for violence.” Henley admitted to dealing drugs, but he stopped after he read “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Henley expressed a desire to try something new, he stated in the documentary. Later on, he took on the role of managing hip-hop artist Kurupt’s career.

In the year 1991, Henley found himself behind bars following a botched attempt to rob someone he believed was a drug dealer, during an undercover operation. He spent 13 years incarcerated and regained his freedom in 2004. Shortly after, he established Developing Options, a non-profit organization focusing on gang intervention and offering disadvantaged children a secure environment for sports activities.

Kurupt escorted Henley to Death Row Records for a meeting with Suge Knight, the executive. In the documentary series, Henley stated that Knight provided him with financial aid and set him up for success. He encountered Nipsey Hussle, an aspiring rapper from the Rollin’ 60s who was living with Henley’s relatives and recorded some of his initial tracks in their basement studio, as mentioned in a 2023 Times article.

In the documentary series, rap artist Wiz Khalifa stated that he couldn’t think of anyone who has interacted with as many famous celebrities as Henley supposedly has.

In his words, “Big U is undoubtedly the pioneer of rap,” Khalifa stated. “I can’t make any significant moves without first discussing it with him. He’s the unique one who carries himself in such a distinctive manner.

Check-ins

In the year 2022, it was reported that the FBI spoke with a confidential source, referred to simply as CW-1, who asserted that popular musicians, sports figures, and other guests were required to make a payment to Henley upon their arrival in the city, according to Roosa’s writings.

In June 2019, an individual referred to as CW-1 informed authorities about a significant dice game taking place in Los Angeles. This game reportedly featured a professional boxer known as A.B., A.B.’s companions, and multiple well-known NBA players. As per CW-1’s account, A.B. and his group allegedly manipulated the game, defrauding the NBA players out of a substantial amount of money through a method called “teased” dice.

Following that game, Roosa penned a note where Henley instructed his teammates to “toughen up” against A.B., who hadn’t reported to Henley. This was intended to retrieve the money owed from him, as it was supposedly withheld from NBA players he had defrauded. It is alleged that several members of the Rollin’ 60s were then called upon to exert pressure on A.B.

In response to your request, “Henley intervened, stating to officials that he was part of or would endorse any gambling activities or gatherings with significant amounts of money, including basketball stars and famous personalities, occurring within the city.

The complaint states that, as per CW-1’s account, there were instances where NBA players and famous personalities required Henley’s prior approval for their safety at events like parties, matches, or photo shoots. CW-1 claimed these celebrities would need to compensate Henley for this protection and approval, or risk facing repercussions from the Big U Enterprise.

In a closely watched conversation with an individual referred to as “Victim-1,” I found myself sharing a rather intriguing story. You see, I got embroiled in a situation with a character known as A.B, who allegedly swindled a current NBA All-Star out of a staggering $1.5 million and a previous NBA All-Star out of an even more astounding $5 million. In the same breath, I discussed my plans to recover their losses by asking these players for a fee of $100,000 each.

On his podcast “Checcin-In,” Henley mentioned that wherever he travels, he makes a point of reaching out or connecting with someone. However, he clarified that there are no fees associated with visiting Los Angeles.

In an interview with Genius, a digital media company, Henley stated, “I was never an athlete or a rapper, and no one has ever given me anything.” However, they reach out to me because they sense a bond with me and the area I come from, for some unexplained reason.

‘How you rob yourself’

A grievance was detailed, accusing Big U Enterprise of several burglaries, such as one that occurred at an unauthorized cannabis store in Los Angeles on the 5th of July, 2021.

In that scenario, the victim reported to authorities that he had been forced to pay the organization between $25,000 and $30,000 every month in protection money. When he ceased these payments, he claimed, more than a dozen individuals affiliated with Big U Enterprise and the Rollin’ 60s stormed into the dispensary armed. They did not conceal their faces with masks, and they are said to have taken cash and marijuana from the store before leaving.

On that very day, it’s said that Henley supposedly asked the victim over to his house, where items taken from the dispensary were apparently displayed.

“That’s how you rob yourself,” Henley allegedly said.

During their probe, the FBI acquired conversations between Big U Enterprise personnel and allies detailing robberies they had committed or intended to commit, as stated by Roosa.

In my critical analysis, it transpired that Roosa claimed he overheard Henley discussing a daring heist on a wiretap – an audacious plan to pilfer items that had been clandestinely taken from a renowned rapper’s equipment. It seemed that they utilized an Apple AirTag, allegedly linked to the stolen goods, as their guiding beacon. Armed and ready, Henley, Mitchell, and their associates commenced staging this audacious act of theft. However, upon noticing the arrival of law enforcement at the scene, they wisely chose to abandon their scheme, as chronicled by Roosa in his account.

The grievance states that Henley arranged a birthday bash at Deja Vu in December 2021, which was for his own celebration. It is claimed that he negotiated to receive around one-third of the bar’s earnings on that day and made promises that well-known rappers like Khalifa and T.I. would be in attendance.

At the birthday celebration’s evening, Henley, Robinson, Martin, and several colleagues arrived at the club. Later on, it was reported that a witness informed authorities they saw Robinson, Martin, and three other companions escort another victim into a secluded room, where they allegedly extorted $30,000 from this individual.

None of the promised celebrity rappers arrived, according to the complaint.

Alleged fraud

Officials also claimed that Henley deceptively secured funds from the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, using the Gang Reduction Youth Development program as a means to do so.

Starting around 2015, Developing Options, a nonprofit run by Henley, has been granted approximately $550,000 each year through the program. The city provided the nonprofit with a total of $2.35 million from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023. According to Roosa’s reports, Henley is said to have withdrawn a significant amount, claimed as salary.

On Wednesday, federal officials publicly announced charges against Eugene “Big U” Henley, alleging him of crimes including murder, abduction, robbery, blackmail, and deceit.

As indicated on the city’s website, it appears that Developing Options has been granted funding starting from at least 2011.

The GRYD program’s handbook, which is attached to each contract, is obligatory for Developing Options, as well as all other GRYD contractors, to adhere to. This comprehensive guide includes stringent criminal background checks, compliance measures, employee training, approval processes for staff, regular attendance at meetings, documenting activities, and working in tandem with local law enforcement.

Roosa stated, “From my examination of the documents during this probe, it seems that Developing Options may not have complied with certain requirements, or possibly even all of them.

Last Tuesday, Bass reported a substantial reduction in violent incidents within designated GRYD areas throughout the city during the previous year. He attributed this positive change to the efforts of community violence interventionists. A statement from the mayor’s office, backed by LAPD data, revealed a 45% decrease in gang-related killings in GRYD zones when compared to the year 2023.

In my understanding, it’s said that Henley deceptively sought out federal disaster-aid loans under the pretense of various entities such as Developing Options, Uneek Music, and others.

Ultimately, officials charged Henley with perpetrating wire fraud, allegedly misusing over $100,000 in charitable contributions meant for Developing Options. While the original donors remained unnamed in the complaint, The Times managed to verify their identities through federal contacts and public dialogues.

One of them was Draymond Green, who generously donated $20,000 to Developing Options back in August 2019. However, it is alleged that Henley misused this donation, moving the funds into his own personal bank account instead.

Additionally, it was O’Neal who issued a check for $20,000, meant to fund Developing Options and the Crenshaw Rams youth sports team. However, it is claimed that Henley moved the majority of the funds into his own banking account.

Skipp Townsend, a community peace-maker and founder of the nonprofit organization 2nd Call, commended Developing Options for their positive contributions within the neighborhood. However, he raised concerns about who will maintain harmony in places where they previously established peace.

As a fan, I’d encourage everyone to embrace patience and trust the journey. While we might be eager for answers, those in the thick of it shouldn’t rush to judgement. After all, I believe it’s wise not to leap to conclusions when we’re still gathering the facts.

Read More

2025-03-20 04:32

Previous post How to get Nightflower Pollen – Monster Hunter Wilds
Next post Machine Gun Kelly Claps Back at Critic Over Emotional Tribute Song!