From Community Advocate to Criminal Ringleader?

Feds Charge Big U with Running Mafia-Style Operation in South Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Federal agents have arrested well-known music executive and community figure Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr., accusing him of leading a violent criminal enterprise under the guise of a nonprofit leader and music entrepreneur.

Henley, 58, is now facing charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a serious federal offense often used against organized crime groups.

According to the Department of Justice, Henley ran a sophisticated criminal network called the “Big U Enterprise”, which allegedly engaged in murder, extortion, fraud, human trafficking, and other crimes dating back to at least 2010.

The Alleged Double Life of Big U

Once regarded as a reformed gang member and anti-violence activist, Henley was celebrated for founding the nonprofit Developing Options, a program aimed at steering youth away from gangs and crime. But prosecutors say that image masked a different reality.

“Today’s charges and arrests target the leadership of this criminal outfit and will make the neighborhoods of Los Angeles safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. “The allegations in the complaint reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud—all led by a supposed anti-gang activist.”

Henley’s alleged network also included longtime associates Sylvester “Vey” Robinson, 59, and Mark “Bear Claw” Martin, 50, both of whom were also arrested and charged under the same criminal complaint. Robinson and Martin are expected to face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

2021 Rapper Murder Tied to Uneek Music

One of the most disturbing accusations is the murder of an aspiring rapper in 2021, known in court documents only as “R.W.” The young artist had been signed to Henley’s label Uneek Music, co-founded with Mark Martin.

Federal documents say Henley and his team paid for R.W. to record music in Las Vegas, but the relationship soured when R.W. allegedly recorded a song mocking Henley. Prosecutors claim Henley and Robinson traveled to confront the rapper, ultimately driving him to a remote area of North Las Vegas where Henley shot him in the head and dumped his body in the desert.

Surveillance footage from the recording studio was reportedly destroyed, and witnesses were warned to stay quiet.

Alleged Fraud and Misuse of Pandemic Relief Funds

The DOJ also alleges Henley committed fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, submitting a fake relief loan application that inflated Uneek Music’s earnings. The label, which reportedly operated at a $5,000 loss in 2019, was presented as making $200,000 in profit to qualify for federal aid.

Additionally, Henley is accused of embezzling large donations made to Developing Options, his nonprofit. Funds from celebrities, pro athletes, and even local government agencies were allegedly funneled into Henley’s personal bank accounts.

According to investigators, the nonprofit was funded in part by the City of Los Angeles through the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) program, which receives both city and federal funds.

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Tyler Hatcher stated, “Mr. Henley allegedly duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charitable organization that promoted anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity that was directly contrary to his charity.”

Arrests and Aftermath

Henley and co-defendant Bryan Mejia were initially listed as fugitives Wednesday morning, but both surrendered to authorities later in the day. Before turning himself in, Henley addressed his followers on social media.

“I ain’t been nothing but a help to the community,” he said in a video posted online. “But I guess it is what it is. This is the price of being Black and trying to help your community and do what you can.”

As the investigation continues, federal authorities are still pursuing several additional suspects connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.

If convicted, Henley could face life in prison.