A music executive who authorities say is a leader of a notorious Los Angeles street gang appeared in court Tuesday to face charges alleging he used his influence to extort wealthy individuals, stole from his charity and murdered a young rapper signed to his label.
Eugene “Big U” Henley, accused leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday morning. His trial is set to begin on May 20, a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Henley, 58, turned himself into authorities last month on charges of fraud, robbery, extortion, human trafficking, embezzlement and leading a “mafia-like” criminal enterprise that was responsible for the murder of Rayshawn Williams, an aspiring rapper who had recorded a diss track about him.
Federal investigators allege Henley, who billed himself as both an “OG” — original gangster — and an anti-gang activist, shot and killed Williams, then “dragged the victim’s body off Interstate 15 in Las Vegas and left it in a ditch” in January 2021.
He’s also accused of using his stature as a prominent figure in the famed street gang to extort wealthy individuals, like celebrities and professional athletes, requiring them to “check in” with him when visiting the city and coercing them to pay for protection.
The practice was widespread and well known throughout the hip-hop community, prosecutors allege.
Investigators say he also embezzled from his “anti-gang charity,” which was actually just a front for him to transfer donations to his personal accounts, conceal illegal activities and “insulate other members of the Big U Enterprise from law enforcement suspicion,” the Department of Justice wrote in a March 25 press release. The charity received major donations from celebrities and prominent companies, officials said.
Despite the accusation that he murdered the young rapper, Henley does not face murder charges, but rather racketeering and conspiracy charges related to the killing. If convicted, he could face decades in federal prison for each felony complain — essentially a life sentence.
He is among seven defendants facing charges as part of the criminal operation.
The Rollin’ 60s first appeared in the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles and rose to prominence in the 1980s. It is considered one of the largest street gangs in L.A. with hundreds of current and former members, including late musician and activist Nipsey Hussle.
Cameron Kiszla contributed to this report.