Eugene “Massive U” Henley’s twin popularity now faces scrutiny amid extreme federal accusations shaking South LA’s notion.
Eugene “Massive U” Henley, a distinguished determine in South Los Angeles identified for his twin roles as a music govt and group advocate, surrendered to FBI brokers on Wednesday (March 19) amid accusations of secretly main a mafia-style crime syndicate.
The arrest despatched a ripple via South Los Angeles, the place Henley was usually identified to locals as a mediator and charitable entrepreneur. He faces critical federal fees, together with homicide, working a prison enterprise and funneling nonprofit funds into illicit actions.
Bryan Mejia, an alleged affiliate, additionally surrendered to authorities.
Henley championed group outreach via his nonprofit, Growing Choices, however federal investigators declare his group served as a entrance to disguise prison operations. He’s additionally a member of the infamous Rollin’ 60s Crips gang.
Whereas many locals praised Henley’s group efforts, rapper Helecia Choyce, who collaborated with Henley, informed Fox 11 in Los Angeles she lived in worry.
“You can’t do evil when the cameras are off and smile and assist children when the cameras are on,” Choyce stated, alleging years of abuse and exploitation by Henley. “I used to be only a younger child eager to rap and eager to dwell out my dream and dealing laborious. And, you already know, he actually took benefit of me.”
Choyce described a relationship wrought with threats and bodily abuse.
“He wished to bully me, he wished to regulate me,” she stated. “And once I wouldn’t permit that, that’s when he began leaping on me and beating me, extorting me, threatening individuals to not work with me. I used to be really terrified.”
Choyce’s unsuccessfully sought a restraining order and her claims are at the moment unrelated to the fees filed by the FBI.
Federal investigators have linked a part of their case in opposition to Henley to the 2021 homicide of a younger rapper in Las Vegas. Police sources reportedly stated the rapper was killed over a disrespectful lyric aimed toward Henley.
Allegations surfaced of misappropriated funds involving celeb donors to Henley’s nonprofit, probably together with basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal. Authorities burdened that whereas donations might need supported youth packages in some capability, vital parts of the funds have been diverted.
Henley and his co-defendant Mejia stay in federal custody. AllHipHop will proceed to cowl because the investigation continues to unfold.