Nipsey Hussle’s former manager accused of murder and kidnapping
The former manager of Nipsey Hussle, Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley, has been accused of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion and fraud. A 107-page federal complaint was filed on March 19th, claiming the alleged Crips gang leader ran a “mafia-like organisation”.
58-year-old Big U was officially charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act, with his alleged victims “required to ‘check in’” before arriving in Los Angeles to receive “protection”.
“Big U Enterprise” is said to have relied on his “stature and long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals,” extorting from professional athletes and musicians.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Big U was initially announced as a fugitive but turned himself in later that day, joining over a dozen others in custody.
“The allegations in the complaint unsealed today reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud – all led by a supposed anti-gang activist and purported music entrepreneur who was nothing more than a violent street criminal,” said attorney Joseph McNally.
He continued, “Eliminating gangs and organised crime is the Department of Justice’s top priority. Today’s charges and arrests target the leadership of this criminal outfit and will make the neighbourhoods of Los Angeles safer. I am grateful for the work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners.”
Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, added, “The lead defendant and others in this case have for too long gotten away with violent acts and stealing money from taxpayers and well-intentioned donors whether they use intimidation tactics or wield influence as purportedly rehabilitated original gangsters.
“The FBI and our partners have worked for four years to bring justice in this case and will continue to root out this kind of criminal behaviour plaguing the streets of Los Angeles.”
Big U shared videos denying all wrongdoing before turning himself into police. “I ain’t did nothing,” he said. “I ain’t been nothing but a help to our community. This the price of being Black and trying to help somebody, trying to help your community and do what you can. You just guilty because somebody else don’t like you.”
In a docuseries, Wiz Khalifa once said, “If I was to describe Big U’s role in rap, he would definitely be the godfather. Can’t do nothing without consulting him. He’s the only guy who does move how he moves.”