Federal authorities have arrested a well-known music executive and alleged leader of the South Los Angeles-based Rollin’ 60s Crips, accusing him of running a criminal empire involved in murder, extortion, fraud, and human trafficking. The case has uncovered a “mafia-like” operation that allegedly used gang connections to intimidate, exploit, and eliminate rivals while maintaining a facade of legitimacy through the music industry and nonprofit work.
Eugene Henley Jr., 58, also known as “Big U”, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Henley and his associates were responsible for racketeering crimes, including extortion, robbery, sex trafficking, fraud, and the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper.
Alongside Henley, two other alleged members of the organization—Sylvester Robinson, 59, aka “Vey”, of Northridge, and Mark Martin, 50, aka “Bear Claw”, of Beverlywood—were also arrested on Wednesday in connection with the case. Both were expected to make their first court appearances the same day. Henley, who was initially considered a fugitive, surrendered later in the day, along with another man wanted in the case, Bryan Perez Mejia.
Federal officials described Henley’s organization as an elaborate criminal network that operated like the mafia, leveraging street gang connections and fear tactics to further its operations. Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally 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.”
The DOJ’s crackdown on Henley’s organization is part of a broader effort to combat gang-related crimes and dismantle dangerous criminal networks in Los Angeles. Ten additional members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s gang were also arrested on Wednesday, facing federal charges for drug trafficking, racketeering, and firearms offenses.
Investigators allege that in January 2021, Henley was involved in the murder of an aspiring rapper, identified in court records as “R.W.”. The DOJ’s complaint states that Henley lured R.W. to Las Vegas under the pretense of recording music at a prestigious studio. R.W. had been signed to Uneek Music, a label co-owned by Henley and Martin.
However, tensions escalated when R.W. refused to record at an agreed-upon rate and instead recorded a song critical of Henley. Prosecutors allege that Henley and Robinson traveled to Las Vegas to confront the rapper. According to court records, Henley later drove R.W. to a remote desert area in North Las Vegas, shot him in the head, and dumped his body off Interstate 15.
After returning to Los Angeles, Henley reportedly ordered his associates to erase security footage from the recording studio where the dispute occurred. The DOJ also alleges that he later threatened witnesses, warning them not to cooperate with law enforcement.
Beyond violent crimes, federal investigators uncovered a web of financial fraud tied to Henley’s organization. Prosecutors allege that Henley exploited his nonprofit charity, Developing Options, which was meant to help keep young people away from gangs and drugs, for personal gain. The charity, funded in part by the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office through the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) program, also received donations from celebrities and NBA players.
According to the DOJ, instead of using those funds for community programs, Henley embezzled large sums of money and deposited them into his personal bank account. Prosecutors also say Henley fraudulently applied for a pandemic relief loan, falsely claiming that his Uneek Music label made $200,000 in profit in 2019, despite actually operating at a $5,000 loss.
Henley’s influence in Los Angeles’ criminal underworld is deeply tied to his leadership in the Rollin’ 60s Crips, one of the most notorious street gangs in the country. He allegedly used his reputation and affiliations to intimidate businesses and individuals across the city. Federal prosecutors claim his organization, Big U Enterprise, functioned as an independent criminal syndicate, at times collaborating with the Rollin’ 60s but ultimately operating as its own criminal enterprise.
“The Big U Enterprise engaged in murder, extortion, robbery, sex trafficking, fraud, and illegal gambling,” the DOJ’s press release stated. “While at times working alongside the Rollin’ 60s, this was a distinct criminal enterprise that operated for its own financial and territorial gain.”
If convicted, Henley faces life in prison on RICO charges, while Robinson and Martin each face up to 20 years in federal prison. The case marks a major victory for law enforcement agencies determined to dismantle gang-related criminal enterprises.
Special Agent Tyler Hatcher, from the IRS Criminal Investigation Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the significance of the charges. “The RICO charges against Mr. Henley and his associates reflect a pattern of crimes that span from extortion to tax evasion, all under the leadership of a man who claimed to be a community activist.”
Hatcher added that Henley “duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charity that promoted anti-gang initiatives while continuing the very criminal activities he claimed to be fighting.”
This case marks a significant development in the DOJ’s ongoing fight against organized crime and gang violence. Authorities believe that dismantling high-ranking figures like Henley is crucial to weakening criminal enterprises and improving public safety in affected neighborhoods.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue monitoring the remaining members of the Big U Enterprise and the Rollin’ 60s Crips, ensuring that any ongoing criminal operations are shut down.
With the arrests and multiple high-profile charges now filed, the DOJ remains committed to prosecuting those who use violence, intimidation, and fraud to maintain criminal control over communities in Los Angeles.
As court proceedings begin, federal prosecutors will present their evidence, seeking maximum sentences for Henley and his associates. This case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, particularly within the hip-hop community, where Henley’s influence once appeared legitimate.
For now, the music executive turned alleged crime boss sits behind bars, facing the real possibility of spending the rest of his life in federal prison. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials believe that these arrests mark a turning point in the battle against gang-driven organized crime in Los Angeles.
