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Ex-Activist Accused of Running LA Crime Empire
31 Jul
Summary
- Henley allegedly solicited inmates to harm a witness.
- He is accused of human trafficking and defrauding athletes.
- Prosecutors claim he ran a mafia-like criminal enterprise.
Eugene Henley Jr., also known as "Big U," a former anti-gang activist, has been newly charged with soliciting inmates to murder or seriously injure a witness against him. These charges stem from a broader racketeering case where prosecutors allege Henley operated as the secret kingpin of a criminal enterprise that ruled Los Angeles through violence and intimidation for decades.
Federal prosecutors contend Henley's enterprise engaged in murder, human trafficking, and extortion. He is also accused of defrauding famous athletes, including Shaquille O'Neal and Draymond Green, by pocketing donations meant for charity. Furthermore, Henley allegedly obtained fraudulent funding from the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program.
A superseding indictment filed in March 2025 detailed a 43-count charge against Henley, including conspiracy to violate RICO, robbery, extortion, and embezzlement. He was previously linked to the 2021 killing of an aspiring rapper in Las Vegas.
Henley and several co-defendants are scheduled to go to trial in Los Angeles federal court in February 2027. He was ordered to remain in federal custody, with prosecutors arguing he poses a significant threat to the community and witnesses.
