Alleged Gang Leader Big U Enters Not Guilty Plea

Alleged gang leader and music executive Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr. has pleaded not guilty in his sweeping RICO cast and faces 43 counts.

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Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. made headlines after a sweeping 43-count indictment was levied upon the longtime music executive and alleged gang leader. Big U has entered a not guilty plea over racketeering and fraud, among other charges.

Local outlet Fox 11 reports that Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr., 58, pleaded not guilty ahead of a detention hearing set to take place on Thursday (April 10). Henley is accused of being a leading figure in the Rollin’ 60s Crips gang collective and using his “OG” status to extort entertainers and celebrities who visited Los Angeles.

Henley is also accused of running high-stakes and illegal gambling sessions, and is accused of doling out violence, including the alleged murder of an up-and-coming rapper in Las Vegas. Henley’s ties to music were notable, and he is credited with helping jumpstart the career of the late Nipsey Hussle.

Big U turned himself in to the authorities but made an impassioned set of videos explaining how much he’s done for the community and that he’s done work to end the gang violence that grips Southern California.

If convicted, Big U could face hundreds of years behind bars.

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Photo: Leon Bennett / Getty

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Alleged Gang Leader Big U Enters Not Guilty Plea was originally published on hiphopwired.com