Big U Longtime Leader of L.A. Street Gang Rolling 60s Arrested in Federal Crackdown

US authorities arrested Eugene Henley Jr., a notorious leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, on Wednesday after a brief search. Henley, 58, known as “Big U,” was charged along with 17 other gang members in a sweeping federal complaint accusing them of a range of crimes, including murder, human trafficking, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Henley allegedly ran a criminal enterprise dubbed the “Big U Enterprise,” which operated like a mafia organization, using violence and intimidation to control business dealings in Los Angeles. In addition to his illegal activities, Henley is suspected of embezzling funds from Developing Options, an anti-gang charity he founded. Prosecutors argue he used the charity to shield his gang’s activities from law enforcement scrutiny.

Henley is also implicated in the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper signed to his label, Uneek Music. The rapper, identified as “R.W.,” was allegedly killed after recording a song critical of Henley, and his body was discovered in the Nevada desert.

The investigation revealed that Henley leveraged his reputation as an “O.G.” (original gangster) to bolster his criminal enterprise, using social media, documentaries, and public interviews to intimidate and expand his influence. His alleged activities included extortion, illegal gambling, trafficking, and exploiting sex workers, as well as submitting fraudulent loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Henley faces multiple federal charges and could face a life sentence in prison if convicted. It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation.