A federal judge has given U.S. Marshals permission to use force if needed to bring Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. to court after he allegedly refused to leave his jail cell for a scheduled hearing.
U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha issued the order Thursday (Sept. 17), after being notified that Henley would not leave his cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles 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 judge authorized deputies to remove Henley from the detention center using “all reasonable force and restraints necessary to produce the defendant in court,” as long as doing so would not endanger him because of a medical condition.
Before any force is used, Henley must be read the order and given “one final opportunity to agree immediately to come to court without the use of force.”
Thursday’s hearing centered on an emergency request from Henley’s attorneys to withdraw from the case. His defense has previously stated that it is 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 held in federal custody since his March 2025 arrest. Federal prosecutors allege that the longtime music executive and former manager of Nipsey Hussle and Kurupt operated as a figure within the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips. Henley has denied the accusations.
The case has grown significantly since prosecutors first charged Henley in a 43-count indictment. A superseding indictment added allegations including solicitation to commit a crime of violence, witness tampering, wire fraud and a conspiracy charge involving the transportation of an individual for prostitution. Henley pleaded not guilty to the additional charges in August.
His continued detention has also remained a major issue throughout the case. Henley was denied bail in April 2025 after a magistrate judge raised concerns about potential obstruction and witness intimidation.
Later that year, Henley was 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. Instead, the court approved alternatives that included a private viewing and remote participation in the funeral.
“I was not able to be present for my son in the way the Court had authorized and made an exception for after his death,” Henley later wrote in a court filing. “I was not allowed private viewing, even though there was a court order for this. Of course, I will never have that opportunity again.”
Thursday’s order also goes beyond the missed hearing. It will remain in effect for future proceedings unless the court modifies it, giving the Marshals ongoing authority to compel Henley’s appearance as the case moves toward its Feb. 16, 2027 trial.
