The federal government has unsealed a sprawling 85-page superseding indictment against Eugene Henley Jr., the notorious Crips gang leader known as Big U, adding explosive new allegations of murder, extortion, and witness tampering that paint a picture of a decades-long criminal enterprise operating under the guise of a youth charity and music label. The charges, announced by the acting United States Attorney in Los Angeles, detail a shocking scheme where Henley allegedly used his nonprofit, Developing Options, and his entertainment industry connections to orchestrate violence, including the murder of a young rapper in Las Vegas, while simultaneously collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funding meant to keep children away from gangs.
Henley, now a fugitive, is charged alongside ten other defendants in a federal racketeering conspiracy that prosecutors say functioned as a structured criminal organization. The indictment alleges that Henley, known by aliases including Unk, Draws, and Hannibal, ran an enterprise that engaged in murder, robbery, extortion, human trafficking, and COVID-19 fraud. The government claims that Henley used his leadership role in the Rolling 60s Crips to demand payments from entertainers, athletes, and business owners seeking to operate in Los Angeles, a practice he publicly called checking in.
The most chilling allegation centers on the January 2021 murder of a rapper identified only as R. W. , a former football player who had signed with Henley’s label, Unique Music Entertainment.
According to the indictment, Henley believed R. W. had disrespected him and the enterprise.
Prosecutors say Henley arranged for R. W. to fly to Las Vegas to record at a studio owned by a Grammy-winning producer, then drove from Los Angeles with his alleged underboss, Sylvester Robinson, to confront the artist.
The government alleges that on January 25, 2021, Henley’s cell phones were placed in airplane mode around 1:00 a. m. as he drove R.
W. from the studio. R.
W. was seen leaving his Airbnb with a packed suitcase, even though his flight was not scheduled until the next day. Henley allegedly drove north toward the Apex Regional Landfill, and his phones reactivated around 2:15 a.
m. as he returned to the studio, claiming he had been to the gym. R.
W.’ s body was later found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
In the aftermath, prosecutors say Henley directed an associate to remove security camera footage from the studio and instructed his son not to speak to anyone about the murder. The indictment also details intercepted phone calls where Henley allegedly discussed how he handled problems, stating that if he had a serious issue with someone, either that person would not be here or he would not be here. The government argues these statements reflect the mindset of the alleged enterprise.
The indictment also includes a stunning allegation involving Grammy-winning rapper Future, whose real name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn. Prosecutors claim that in 2014, Henley approached Future to collect a debt on behalf of Detroit rapper Trick Trick. When Future refused to pay, Henley and a co-conspirator allegedly attacked Future and his security team outside a Los Angeles club, then chased him through LAX airport days later.
This incident, which has been discussed publicly by music executive Wack 100, is now part of the federal case.
Wack 100, whose real name is Cash Jones, has publicly stated that he was present during the airport confrontation and that Future was never physically assaulted. However, the indictment names Henley and an unnamed co-conspirator in the attack. The government alleges that the incident was part of a broader extortion scheme where Henley demanded payments from entertainers and business owners in exchange for protection while in Los Angeles.
The indictment further alleges that Henley operated a sophisticated extortion racket targeting marijuana dispensary owners. One victim, identified only as Victim 1, allegedly paid Henley $25,000 per month for years. When the victim stopped answering calls, Henley allegedly sent nine associates to rob the dispensary, taking cash, marijuana products, and personal property.
The victim was then summoned to Henley’s home, where he was told, That’s how you rob yourself, and forced to pay $10,000 to prevent future robberies.
Prosecutors also allege that Henley used his nonprofit, Developing Options, as a front for criminal activity. The organization received more than $2. 35 million in public funding from the Los Angeles Gang Reduction Youth Development program between 2018 and 2023.
The indictment claims that Henley and his co-defendants, including Mark Martin, who served as CFO, misused the funds for personal gain and to further the enterprise’s illegal activities.
The government has also accused Henley of witness tampering while incarcerated. According to the indictment, Henley attempted to coordinate attacks on witnesses from jail, using coded language and third parties to communicate. The charges include witness retaliation, with prosecutors alleging that Henley tried to prevent witnesses from testifying by threatening violence.
Henley, who is representing himself in court, has been ordered held without bail. His co-defendants include Sylvester Robinson, described as his right-hand man and enforcer, Mark Martin, known as Big Claw, and Tremaine Williams, also known as Loose Cannon. Four defendants are currently in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody.
Two other fugitives remain at large.
The indictment has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, where Henley was known as a respected figure who mentored young artists and ran a popular podcast called Check In. The podcast, which featured interviews with celebrities and athletes, is now cited by prosecutors as evidence of Henley’s control over the Los Angeles entertainment scene. In one episode, Henley is quoted as saying that if someone did not check in, it could mean death for somebody.
The case has also raised questions about the role of Wack 100, who has been a vocal commentator on the allegations. In a recent video, Wack 100 claimed that he is not a target of the investigation but acknowledged that federal agents have raided his properties and asked about him. He has denied any involvement in the alleged crimes and has criticized the government for relying on testimony from co-defendants.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the indictment continues to grow. The superseding indictment adds new charges of human trafficking, COVID-19 fraud, and tax evasion, alleging that Henley and his associates filed false tax returns and fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds. The government is seeking forfeiture of assets, including properties, vehicles, and bank accounts linked to the enterprise.
The case is being prosecuted by the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, which has described Henley as a career criminal who used his influence to terrorize the community.
The acting U. S. Attorney stated that the charges reflect a commitment to dismantling violent gangs and holding their leaders accountable.
Henley’s defense team has not commented on the new allegations, but his decision to represent himself has raised eyebrows among legal experts. Pro se representation is rare in complex federal cases, and Henley’s lack of legal training could put him at a significant disadvantage. The trial is expected to last several months, with dozens of witnesses and hundreds of exhibits.
The indictment also includes detailed descriptions of intercepted phone calls and text messages, which prosecutors say show Henley directing robberies and coordinating payments. In one call, Henley is heard counting money and complaining that a robbery only yielded $2,000 to $3,000, when he expected $5,000 to $7,000. The government alleges that Henley’s modus operandi was to leave victims with enough money to continue making money, so they could be robbed again.
The case has drawn comparisons to the RICO prosecution of other high-profile gang leaders, including the case against the leader of the Bloods in Los Angeles. Legal analysts say the breadth of the indictment, which covers crimes spanning more than a decade, could result in a life sentence for Henley if convicted.
As the manhunt for Henley continues, the community remains on edge. The allegations have exposed the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, where gang ties and celebrity culture often intersect. For now, the focus is on bringing Henley to justice and ensuring that the victims of his alleged crimes receive the justice they deserve.
