WATCH THE VIDEO HERE L.A. street legend Eugene “Big U” Henley has shocked the hip-hop community by revealing to the court this week that he will be representing himself after his attorney, Arturo Hernandez, filed to withdraw from the case. According to court docs, Hernandez cited a complete breakdown in trust and communication. Big U has been locked up since March 19 and claims he cannot afford to retain new legal counsel. Big U makes a series of videos pleading his innocence before he turns himself in. pic.twitter.com/QFPqza3EOJ — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) March 20, 2025 In March, a federal grand jury just hit the 58-year-old music exec and alleged longtime gang leader with a massive 43-count indictment. Big U is being accused of everything from racketeering and robbery to embezzlement, wire fraud, and even murder as part of a far-reaching RICO case. Prosecutors say he used his non-profit, which received public funds, as a front to embezzle donations, dodge taxes, and run a violent extortion racket that even involved the alleged killing of an up-and-coming artist. Video surfaces of Big U making a movie crew ‘CHECK IN’ in LA ‘If you don’t check in, we will check in all of your equipment’ — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) March 20, 2025 He faces a single count of RICO conspiracy, along with multiple Hobbs Act violations, including robbery, attempted extortion, and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or force. The indictment also hits him with 15 counts of wire fraud and five counts of embezzling or misusing funds from a federally funded organization. On top of that, he’s charged with bank fraud, tax evasion, and willful failure to file tax returns, plus a Mann Act violation for allegedly transporting a person across state lines with the intent of engaging them in prostitution.
Big U to Represent Himself in Upcoming RICO Trial
