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Crime Chronicles:

• Eugene "Big U" Henley, long-time Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips leader, indicted on charges including murder, extortion, fraud, and embezzlement.
• Authorities leveraged Henley's explicit admissions on social media, notably from Adam22's popular podcast, to strengthen their criminal case.
• The indictment highlights aggressive efforts by law enforcement to dismantle organized street crime through innovative investigative techniques, including meticulous monitoring of social media.

By Samuel A. Lopez – USA Herald

Los Angeles - In a stunning move by federal prosecutors, Eugene Henley Jr., famously known as "Big U," has been indicted on 43 counts of serious felonies, including murder, extortion, fraud, and tax evasion. The charges bring to light decades of alleged criminal activities intricately woven through the streets of Los Angeles, threatening to dismantle what authorities describe as a "mafia-like organization."

Ironically, Henley’s rise to notoriety through podcasts and social media platforms has become the very tool authorities are using to bring him down. Adam22, whose highly influential platform regularly hosted Henley, publicly acknowledged that the FBI contacted him during the investigation. Adam22’s "No Jumper" podcast, famous for its raw conversations and provocative topics, and other social media platforms Henley appeared on, inadvertently provided investigators critical evidence directly from Henley’s own mouth.

On these podcasts, Henley frequently bragged about his status, gang connections, and involvement in crimes ranging from intimidation and violence to fraudulent activities. These candid admissions, prosecutors assert, provided undeniable evidence directly linking Henley to multiple serious offenses.

The indictment meticulously documents Henley’s alleged criminal reign dating back to at least 2010. Authorities allege he orchestrated the operations of the so-called "Big U Enterprise," a criminal network rooted in his long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang. The enterprise reportedly operated through fear, intimidation, and outright violence, systematically exploiting businesses, communities, and even charitable organizations across Los Angeles.

“Not only did the enterprise expand its power through violence, fear, and intimidation, but it also used social media platforms, documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and Henley’s reputation and status as an “O.G.” (original gangster) to create fame for – and stoke fear of – the Big U Enterprise, its members, and its associates.” DOJ press release.

Notably, the indictment specifically charges Henley with the January 2021 murder of an aspiring musician identified as "R.W.," who was signed to Henley’s music label, Uneek Music. According to the indictment, Henley shot and killed R.W., who had recorded a defamatory song about Henley. Henley then dragged the victim’s body off Interstate 15 in Las Vegas and left it in a ditch.

Henley, is alleged to have engaged in multiple criminal activities, including fraudulently securing a COVID-19 business-relief loan for Uneek Music—a company operating at a loss and ineligible for such relief. He leveraged his anti-gang charity, Developing Options, as a facade for fraudulent schemes and to shield other members of the Big U Enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny.

Furthermore, Henley misappropriated substantial donations made to Developing Options by celebrities and award-winning organizations, diverting these funds directly into his personal bank account. According to the indictment, Developing Options receives funding primarily through the City of Los Angeles’s Mayor’s Office via the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, which is partially supported by federal funding. The charity also benefits from contributions from high-profile sources, including NBA players.

The indictment further alleges that, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, Henley fled his home and turned off his cellphones during the early morning hours of March 19, while law enforcement was arresting other members of the enterprise. On the same day, he used the "Crenshaw Cougars" Instagram account to claim racial profiling, shift blame onto his co-defendants and opponents for the federal charges against him, and instruct the public to sever ties with his co-defendants and known adversaries. Henley ultimately surrendered to federal authorities but did so without his phones.

Also charged in the indictment are:

• Sylvester Robinson, 59, a.k.a. “Vey,” of Northridge;
• Mark Martin, 50, a.k.a. “Bear Claw,” of the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles;
• Termaine Ashley Williams, 42, a.k.a. “Luce Cannon,” of Las Vegas;
• Armani Aflleje, 38, a.k.a. “Mani,” of Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles;
• Fredrick Blanton Jr., 43, of South Los Angeles; and
• Tiffany Shanrika Hines, 51, of Yorba Linda.

Highlighting a groundbreaking approach to law enforcement, federal investigators meticulously combed through Henley's online presence and public statements, demonstrating the power and reach of modern investigative tools. Henley’s own social media posts, including inflammatory comments made during his arrest, have provided investigators additional layers of evidence crucial to their prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally emphasized the importance of this indictment, stating, "Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice's top priority. Today's charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer."

Henley's indictment evokes memories of another infamous Los Angeles figure, Marion "Suge" Knight, whose violent and ruthless criminal activities ultimately led to his downfall and imprisonment. Authorities hope Henley's prosecution will signal a significant turning point, sending a powerful message to other aspiring criminal figures who leverage notoriety to perpetuate crime.

“The Big U Enterprise is nothing more than a Suge Knight wannabe operation," noted an expert familiar with gang dynamics in Los Angeles. "We all remember how Suge's reign ended, and this indictment represents the same fate for anyone else who believes they're above the law."

Henley and his co-defendants, including Sylvester Robinson, Mark Martin, Termaine Ashley Williams, Armani Aflleje, Fredrick Blanton Jr., and Tiffany Shanrika Hines, are currently awaiting arraignment and face decades in federal prison if convicted.

Final Thoughts

This indictment underscores the critical role of law enforcement's adaptability and innovation in the digital age. Monitoring social media has become not just advantageous but essential in effectively combating organized crime, a reality vividly illustrated by Henley's dramatic fall from self-proclaimed "OG" status to facing decades behind bars.

For those seeking to better understand the intricacies of legal strategy and investigative techniques, join me for a deeper dive into organized crime prosecutions and more on my Patreon at Legal Insights and Strategies by Samuel Lopez.

Fact-Check and Resources:

• United States Department of Justice Press Release
• FBI Los Angeles Task Force on Violent Gangs
• IRS Criminal Investigation Division