Eugene Henley Jr., widely known as Big U, is facing seven fresh federal charges that paint a disturbing picture of a man willing to orchestrate violence from behind bars to silence those testifying against him. The Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips leader and music executive, 59, was hit with the new indictment on Wednesday, with prosecutors alleging he has been actively soliciting fellow inmates to murder or seriously injure a federal witness set to testify at his upcoming trial.
This development marks a significant escalation in an already complex legal battle. Big U has been incarcerated since March 2025, awaiting trial on a 43-count racketeering indictment that includes serious allegations of murder, extortion, robbery, wire fraud, and human trafficking. The new charges include two counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence, two counts of witness tampering, one count of conspiracy to transport someone for prostitution, and two counts of wire fraud.
Allegations of Continued Criminal Influence
Federal prosecutors argue that Henley has been operating what they describe as a “mafia-like organization” through his Big U Enterprise, leveraging long-standing gang connections to intimidate businesses and individuals across Los Angeles. The witness tampering allegations are particularly damning, as they suggest Henley is attempting to manipulate the judicial process from within a jail cell.
“This isn’t just another charge in an already massive case. This is desperation,” legal observers noted regarding the new filings. Prosecutors claim that Henley has been reaching out to other inmates in an attempt to handle his legal problems through violence.
A Complicated Legacy
The case is further complicated by Henley’s complex history within the hip-hop industry. While he is credited with helping launch the career of the late Nipsey Hussle and was long viewed as a prominent community figure, prosecutors contend that this persona served as a cover for illicit activities. Among the accusations, he is alleged to have defrauded high-profile figures such as Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green by soliciting donations for charity that were allegedly pocketed for personal use.
Furthermore, Henley is accused of the 2021 murder of Las Vegas rapper Rayshawn Williams, an act allegedly sparked by a disrespectful song. Prosecutors claim he disposed of the body near Interstate 15 following the incident.
Big U and his six co-defendants are currently scheduled to face trial in February 2027. If convicted on the racketeering conspiracy count, he faces the possibility of life in prison. A hearing regarding a motion to suppress wiretap recordings is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
