Another day, another legal entanglement. Eugene “Big U” Henley has been formally indicted on multiple federal charges following his recent arrest in a major gang investigation. The 58-year-old community figure now faces a 43-count indictment alleging his involvement in a criminal enterprise spanning robbery, extortion, fraud, and other offenses.
Check out the charges according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California:
- One count of RICO conspiracy
- Multiple counts of Hobbs Act violations (robbery and extortion)
- Fifteen counts of wire fraud
- Five counts of embezzlement from federally funded programs
- One count each of bank fraud, tax evasion, and Mann Act violations
- Two counts of willful failure to file tax returns
As you can imagine, if convicted, Henley faces potential decades in prison, with maximum sentences ranging from 10 years for embezzlement charges to 30 years for bank fraud.
Here’s what acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally stated:
“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.”
Henley’s attorney, John Targowski, maintains his client’s innocence, telling the Los Angeles Times:
“He looks forward to a vigorous defense of these charges and maintains his innocence.”
ICYMI, before his arrest, Henley posted since-deleted social media videos claiming persecution:
“I ain’t did nothing…I ain’t been nothing but help to our community. But I guess it is what it is. This is the price of being Black and trying to help somebody, trying to help your community and do what you can.”
Five co-defendants—Sylvester Robinson, Mark Martin, Termaine Williams, Armani Aflleje, Fredrick Blanton Jr., and Tiffany Hines—were also charged in the indictment and remain in federal custody.
Henley’s arraignment is set for April 8, with a detention hearing to follow on April 10.