Big U & The Rolling 60’s Indicted
It’s safe to say that Big U and his days of robbing, extorting, scamming, stealing and murdering are over.
Federal authorities revealed this week that more than a dozen members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Crips, including Eugene “Big U” Henley, face charges in a major criminal case.
Henley, who helped launch rapper Nipsey Hussle’s career, is accused of leading a “Mafia-like” organization involved in racketeering crimes such as extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper.
Henley, dressed in a white T-shirt, black sweatpants, and Nike sneakers with no laces, made his first court appearance Thursday. Around two dozen family and friends watched as he entered the courtroom with his hands cuffed and legs shackled.
He will remain in federal custody until a detention hearing on March 31.
Who are the Rollin’ 60s?
The Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, named after streets between Slauson and Florence avenues, were one of the first Crip “sets” in the area, according to a 1992 Times article.
FBI agent Andrew Roosa, in a 107-page federal complaint, described the Rollin’ 60s as a violent gang with affiliates in several states.
The gang’s most famous member is Hussle, who referenced the group in the intro of his 2013 mixtape, “Crenshaw.” Hussle was killed in 2019 by a fellow Rollin’ 60s member.
Henley, an admitted member and “OG” of the Rollin’ 60s, is described as a leader by law enforcement, though gang interventionist Skipp Townsend notes that the group lacks formal leadership.
The FBI began investigating the Rollin’ 60s in 2020 and launched an inquiry into Big U Enterprise the following year.
Henley allegedly bragged in wiretapped calls about his influence, claiming he was bigger than any Rollin’ 60s member, including Hussle.
What is Big U accused of?
Federal authorities claim Henley kidnapped and shot a young rapper in the face over perceived disrespect, leaving the body in the Las Vegas desert. He also allegedly directed a robbery of an unlicensed L.A. marijuana dispensary that had stopped paying extortion fees.
Henley is accused of defrauding businesses, donors, athletes, and celebrities—such as Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal—into donating to his charities, then diverting the funds into his own accounts.
He also allegedly misused funds from the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program, which allocated $2.35 million to Henley’s nonprofit, Developing Options, between 2018 and 2023.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed increased oversight of GRYD, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption. Henley’s actions, the office stated, don’t reflect the overall success of the program in reducing gang violence.
How has Big U responded?
Before surrendering, Henley posted videos dismissing the charges, blaming rumors spread online. He denied any wrongdoing and called the allegations “bull crap,” though he did not specifically address the murder accusations.
Henley challenged claims of using his nonprofit to cover up crimes, saying, “What crimes am I committing to cover up with Developing Options?”
Who else has been charged?
In addition to Henley, 18 other Rollin’ 60s members and associates have been charged.
Henley, Mark Martin, and Sylvester Robinson face Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges. Martin is known for his work in gang intervention.
Rapper Termaine Ashley Williams, known as Luce Cannon, was arrested in Las Vegas for robbery related to a marijuana dispensary. Williams allegedly confessed on the “No Jumper” podcast before the episode was removed after Henley served a cease-and-desist order.
Henley is accused of paying $1,000 to transport three women for prostitution, with one of the women, Armani Aflleje, admitting to promoting prostitution.
Other charges include bank fraud, weapons offenses, and drug distribution. Tiyon Jones faces charges for possession of machine guns, while Jaiquan Smith is accused of selling firearms and ammunition. Several others face charges related to firearms and drugs.
Henley previously claimed that arrests of people he barely knew were ruining lives. “What they gonna say? You ruining people’s lives,” Henley said in one video.
Appears to me, he was just another greedy, not housebroken piece of shit running wild, playing people for suckers every chance he got until all his extortion & robbery victims had enough of the bullshit & hollered at the feds.
I get it, you have some power in the street & you utilize it to get paid, but you don’t steal every penny from everybody. People have to survive. When you get greedy as shit and think you can’t be touched, that’s usually when the long arm of the federal law reaches out & smacks the shit out of your dumb ass with a nifty little thing called R.I.C.O.
Based off of the info out there, info that’s been out there for years, this asshole had Nipsey killed. If that is the case, and the other bodies he’s accused of, then this roach is right where he belongs. R.I.P. Nip.
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