Gang leader "Big U" remains in custody in Los Angeles

Eugene Henley Jr., also known as "Big U," appeared in a federal courtroom in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. He is an alleged leader of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips gang and a rap entrepreneur. Henley was ordered to stay in jail until a detention hearing on March 31. Henley is facing serious charges, including racketeering, extortion, human trafficking, and murder. He turned himself in to authorities after he was named in a federal complaint related to these crimes. At his first court appearance, no plea was entered. Before his arrest, Henley posted videos on social media denying the accusations against him. He claimed there would be no evidence to support the charges and suggested they were an attack on his character. According to prosecutors, he is accused of running a crime organization that has committed various illegal activities over many years. Henley's charges also include fraud related to donations from famous athletes. He allegedly coerced them into giving money to charities, which he then kept for himself. Additionally, he is accused of benefiting from a program intended to help youth at risk of gang involvement. Along with Henley, two other individuals were arrested on similar charges. The U.S. Attorney stated that the case reveals a violent criminal enterprise led by someone who pretends to be an anti-gang activist. The FBI has worked on this case for four years, aiming to bring justice and reduce crime in Los Angeles. If convicted, Henley could face life in prison, while his co-defendants might get up to 20 years.