Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr. continues to face a massive federal case accusing him of criminal activity across gang organizations and his Big U Enterprises endeavor. However, he reportedly does not want to comply with what law enforcement has set out for him. According to Complex, a federal judge authorized United States Marshals to use force if necessary to take Henley Jr. to court after he allegedly refused to leave his prison cell for a Thursday (September 17) hearing.
U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha reportedly signed the order that day to allow "all reasonable force and restraints necessary to produce the defendant in court." The only stipulated reason to refrain from using force is reportedly if said force would put the music manager at risk due to a health condition. U.S. Marshals must also read the order to him before using force. They must allow Big U "one final opportunity to agree immediately to come to court without the use of force."
As for what the Thursday proceeding entailed, it concerned Big U's lawyers wanting to drop out of the sprawling case via an emergency request. The defense team previously cited overwhelming evidence as a reason why. The order concerning U.S. Marshals will be effective for future proceedings unless the court changes it.
How Long Has Big U Been In Prison?
Big U has been in federal custody since his arrest in March of last year. He continues to deny the allegations against him. These include racketeering crimes, witness tampering, wire fraud, conspiracy counts, and much more.
Previously, federal prosecutors expanded the indictment against Eugene Henley Jr. They included various new charges, all of which he pleaded not guilty to in August. The court denied Henley bail due to concerns over potential witness intimidation and obstruction. This also led to the court denying him permission to attend his son's funeral last year.
"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 Jr. wrote in a court filing after the denial. "I was not allowed private viewing, even though there was a court order for this. Of course, I will never have that opportunity again."
Big U's trial will begin on February 16 of next year, if everything goes according to the current schedule at press time.
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