Accused Crips Leader Charged in Mafia-Like Crime Ring Busted by Feds

Eugene "Big U" Henley, Jr., a rap executive and alleged leader within the Crips street gang, has been hit with a laundry list of federal charges for what the Department of Justice (DOJ) is calling a "mafia-like" criminal enterprise. The 58-year-old now faces accusations that span from murder to fraud and tax evasion, marking a stunning fall from grace for someone who once portrayed himself as an anti-gang advocate.

The DOJ indictment outlines a broad range of charges, including conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, Hobbs Act extortion, wire fraud, embezzlement, bank fraud, tax evasion, and even involvement in an interstate prostitution ring. Henley's alleged criminal operations under the banner of "Big U Enterprise" reportedly ran from 2010 until March of this year, using fear and intimidation to wield influence both inside and outside the Rollin' 60s Crips gang.

While Henley's "Big U Enterprise" was said to have collaborated with the Rollin' 60s Crips at times, the DOJ has described it as a distinct and independent criminal outfit engaged in activities ranging from extortion and trafficking to illegal gambling and exploitation of sex workers. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally stated that Henley’s alleged crimes ranged "from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity." Clearly, Henley wasn't just dabbling in crime—he allegedly went for the whole buffet.

One of the most chilling allegations is that Henley killed a rapper signed to his record label in 2021 after the victim recorded a defamatory song about him. That incident, paired with accusations of defrauding an anti-gang charity called Developing Options, paints a picture of someone who, if guilty, used his public persona to mask a far darker reality. The charity, which has received federal and city grants, reportedly served as a cover for protecting gang members and embezzling funds.

Adding a touch of irony to this tale, Developing Options boasts high-profile connections, with NBA stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Draymond Green among its donors and rapper Snoop Dogg featured prominently on its website. It’s almost poetic how a supposed anti-gang initiative could allegedly be used to funnel money and protect criminal activities. That’s some next-level hypocrisy.

Henley, who was once instrumental in launching the career of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, has also appeared in the FX docuseries "Hip-Hop Uncovered," which now feels like an unintended exposé on his alleged criminal empire. Special Agent Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation Office emphasized the investigation’s importance, saying Henley’s actions "ran directly contrary" to his charity’s anti-gang mission.

The FBI and IRS collaborated on the investigation, and Henley’s attorney, John Targowski, has stated that his client looks forward to "a vigorous defense" and maintains his innocence. Henley’s indictment serves as a stark reminder that the line between public persona and private actions is often razor-thin, especially when allegations like these come to light.