Judge Authorizes U.S. Marshals To Use Force To Bring 'Big U' Henley To Court

A federal judge has granted U.S. Marshals authority to use reasonable force to bring Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr. to court after he allegedly refused to leave his cell for a scheduled hearing at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.

U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha issued the order on Thursday, Sept. 17, after court staff reported that Henley would not exit his cell for a 9 a.m. proceeding.

"IT IS ORDERED that the Marshals produce defendant in Courtroom 6B forthwith for the purpose of attending today's hearing," the order states.

The directive authorizes deputies to remove Henley using "all reasonable force and restraints necessary to produce the defendant in court," provided that doing so would not expose him to medical risk. The order also requires that Henley be read the directive and given "one final opportunity to agree immediately to come to court without the use of force" before any coercive measures are employed.

Thursday's proceeding involved an emergency motion by Henley's attorneys seeking to withdraw from the case. Defense counsel previously told the court they are reviewing more than 1.1 million pieces of evidence in the sprawling federal prosecution, including thousands of surveillance videos and tens of thousands of intercepted phone calls.

Henley, 59, has been in federal custody since his arrest in March 2025. Federal prosecutors allege the longtime music executive—who once managed artists including Nipsey Hussle and Kurupt—was a figure within the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips. Henley has denied the allegations.

The investigation has expanded since an initial 43-count indictment. A superseding indictment added counts that include solicitation to commit a crime of violence, witness tampering, wire fraud and a conspiracy count tied to transporting an individual for prostitution. Henley pleaded not guilty to the additional charges in August.

Detention has been a persistent issue in the case: Henley was denied bail in April 2025 amid judicial concerns about potential obstruction and the risk of witness intimidation. Later that year he was also denied permission to attend the funeral of his 34-year-old son, Jabari "Baby Uiie" Henley, who was fatally shot on Halloween night in South Los Angeles; the court authorized alternatives such as a private viewing and remote access.

The marshal order issued Sept. 17 is not limited to the missed hearing. It remains in effect for future proceedings unless modified by the court, giving Marshals standing authority to compel Henley's appearance as the case moves toward a trial currently scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027.