E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A federal grand jury has issued a 43-count indictment against Eugene Henley, Jr., also known as "Big U," a music label owner and purported anti-gang activist implicated as a long-time leader of a South Los Angeles street gang. The indictment includes charges of murder, extortion, fraud, and tax evasion, as announced by the Justice Department.
The 58-year-old Henley, from the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, faces charges of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, robbery, extortion, and more. Henley has been held in federal custody since March 19 following a federal criminal complaint, with arraignment scheduled for April 8.
In addition to Henley, the indictment names six other defendants: Sylvester Robinson, 59, known as "Vey"; Mark Martin, 50, known as "Bear Claw"; Termaine Ashley Williams, 42, known as "Luce Cannon"; Armani Aflleje, 38, known as "Mani"; Fredrick Blanton Jr., 43; and Tiffany Shanrika Hines, 51. These individuals are currently in federal custody, awaiting arraignment.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally stated, "As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity."
According to the indictment, the criminal activities of the "Big U Enterprise" spanned from 2010 to March 2025. The group, identified as a mafia-like organization, reportedly conducted various illicit activities, including murder, extortion, robbery, and illegal gambling. Henley, famously known as a leader within the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang, allegedly used his influence to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles.
The indictment highlights an incident in January 2021 when Henley allegedly murdered an aspiring musician, "R.W.," signed to his label, Uneek Music. Additionally, Henley is accused of fraudulently obtaining a COVID-19 business-relief loan for Uneek Music and misappropriating funds from his anti-gang charity, Developing Options.
Following the charges, Henley reportedly fled his home and posted about racial profiling on social media before surrendering to authorities.
If convicted, Henley, Robinson, and Martin could face up to 20 years in federal prison for the racketeering conspiracy count and varying sentences for other charges.
The investigation involves the FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles Police Department, and North Las Vegas Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe.
