Big U faces life in jail for 43 federal indictment tied to the RICO Case: Charges from murder to extortion

Musical artist Eugene “Big U” Henley has found himself in hot water as he now faces a 43-count federal criminal indictment. The charges raised against him include racketeering, fraud, extortion, and embezzlement. He surrendered to the authorities last week in connection with the alleged murder of a rapper in 2021.

Big U also has connections with the street gang, Rollin’ 60s. According to ABC 7, his arraignment has been scheduled for April 8, 2025. The United States Attorney’s Office released a press release on March 27, 2025, detailing the counts for each charge, which are listed below:

• Conspiracy to violate RICO Act – 1 count
• Tax evasion – 1 count
• Hobbs Act – 2 counts
• Hobbs Act robbery – 1 count
• Attempted Hobbs Act extortion – 9 counts
• Hobbs Act extortion – 5 counts
• Mann Act – 1 count
• Embezzlement and other fund-related offenses – 5 counts
• Bank fraud – 1 count
• Failure to file tax return – 2 counts
• Wire fraud – 15 counts

Big U has been in federal custody since March 19, 2025, following charges in a federal criminal complaint. On April 10, 2025, a detention hearing will take place in a Los Angeles federal court. Joseph McNally, acting US attorney, shared a statement saying:

“As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity. 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.”

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Possible sentences for every charge against Big U explored as per the official indictment

As per the official press release, Big U, along with others charged in the indictment, could face up to 20 years in federal prison for the racketeering conspiracy charge. Additionally, the bank fraud charge comes with a maximum sentence of 30 years. The Mann Act violation and theft involving federally funded programs could result in up to 10 years in prison.

The charges related to the Hobbs Act, robbery, extortion, and wire fraud, each have a penalty of 20 years. Tax evasion carries a potential five-year sentence while failing to file a tax return could lead to up to one year behind bars. However, all these will depend on whether the court will find them guilty because an indictment is similar to an allegation.

On March 19, 2025, as law enforcement was arresting other members of his organization, Henley allegedly turned off his phones and escaped. Later that day, he posted online, accusing authorities of targeting him unfairly and distancing himself from his co-defendants. He later surrendered but did not hand over his phones.

The indictment mentions that Henley was involved in the "Big U Enterprise" till March 2025. The group, which operated separately from but occasionally worked with Rollin’ 60s, is said to have engaged in violent crimes.

Henley allegedly used his reputation and media presence to build fear and influence. One of the most serious charges claims he killed an aspiring musician, identified as "R.W.," in 2021 after the victim allegedly released a song that disrespected him.

Additionally, Henley is accused of financial crimes, including fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds for his struggling music label and misusing donations meant for his anti-gang charity, Developing Options. The co-defendants in the indictment are Armani Aflleje, Tiffany Shanrika Hines, Sylvester Robinson, Fredrick Blanton Jr., Mark Martin, and Termaine Ashley Williams.