Eugene Henley Jr., once a feared gang leader turned supposed anti-gang activist, is now at the center of a federal investigation exposing an alleged web of deception, intimidation, and organized crime. Authorities claim Henley used his public redemption story to secure funding from the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office while secretly operating a mafia-like enterprise that preyed on communities under the guise of reform.
From Gang Leader to Community Advocate—Or So It Seemed
Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. made headlines for his transformation from a Rolling ’60s Neighborhood Crips leader to a vocal anti-gang advocate. His efforts to curb violence and mentor at-risk youth earned him praise, along with financial backing from local government and charitable organizations.
But federal investigators now claim Henley’s so-called redemption was nothing more than a calculated front. According to the Department of Justice, his organization, “Big U Enterprises,” functioned as an organized crime syndicate, employing fear and coercion while masquerading as a force for positive change.
Members & associates of the Rollin' 60s were charged with violent crimes, including a leader of the gang, Eugene Henley, aka "Big U," who is linked to the entertainment industry and a self-proclaimed community activist. Henley is a fugitive. Details: https://t.co/ki5Ni8H75B pic.twitter.com/yQ18KI4K2b
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) March 19, 2025
Murder, Extortion, and Organized Crime
The charges against Henley are staggering. Among the most damning allegations is his involvement in the 2021 murder of an aspiring musician following a dispute over a song. Authorities argue this act alone shatters any illusion that Henley had left his criminal past behind.
Joseph McNally, a key federal investigator, stated: “The allegations in the complaint unsealed today reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud—all led by a supposed anti-gang activist and purported music entrepreneur who was nothing more than a violent street criminal.”
Authorities describe Henley’s network as a sophisticated operation that blended legitimate businesses with illegal activities, allowing him to maintain a false public image while allegedly continuing his criminal reign.
TRENDING: Eugene “Big U” Henley, a former Crips leader who transitioned into a gang interventionist role, is facing allegations of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, and fraud, according to authorities.
He is the father of Daiyan Henley, #Chargers standout linebacker. pic.twitter.com/GcQ290NxuT
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 20, 2025
Fraud, Charity Scams, and a Criminal Empire
Federal prosecutors claim Henley used his non-profit organization, Developing Options, as a front to launder money and defraud donors. IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher stated: “Mr. Henley allegedly duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charitable organization that promoted anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity that was directly contrary to his charity.”
Investigators also allege Henley’s music label engaged in financial fraud, falsely inflating its earnings and submitting fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications. Alongside Henley, ten others— including Mark Martin and Sylvester Robinson—were arrested, exposing a larger network of corruption hiding behind a community service facade.
Akil Davis, an official involved in the case, highlighted the significance of the arrests: “The lead defendant and others in this case have for too long gotten away with violent acts and stealing money from taxpayers and well-intentioned donors, whether they use intimidation tactics or wield influence as purportedly rehabilitated original gangsters.”
Federal authorities now aim to dismantle what they allege was an elaborate criminal empire, sending a clear message that corruption disguised as reform will not go unpunished.