Big U Faces Forced Court Appearance After Allegedly Refusing To Leave Jail Cell

Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. may face forcible removal from his jail cell in Los Angeles due to an alleged refusal to attend a federal court hearing.

U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha has authorized U.S. Marshals to use reasonable force and restraints if needed to bring Henley to court on Thursday, Sept. 17, as stated in an order obtained by Complex.

This situation arose after the court was notified that Henley would not exit his cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles for the 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 indicates.

Judge Aenlle-Rocha granted federal authorities significant leeway to ensure Henley’s appearance. Deputies were permitted to use “all reasonable force and restraints necessary to produce the defendant in court.”

However, there was a limitation in place. Marshals were instructed to avoid any actions that could endanger Henley due to a medical condition.

Before any force could be used, Henley was to receive a final warning. The order mandated that authorities read the document to him, providing “one final opportunity to agree immediately to come to court without the use of force.”

The authorization does not imply that force was necessarily applied against Henley. It allows Marshals to compel his appearance if he continues to refuse.

The courtroom situation adds complexity to an extensive federal prosecution already in progress.

Thursday’s hearing involved an emergency request from Henley’s attorneys to withdraw from the case, according to Complex. His defense team has previously noted they are reviewing over 1.1 million pieces of evidence, 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 have alleged that Henley is a notable figure in the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a claim he has denied.

The prosecution first surfaced through a 43-count indictment, which later expanded to a superseding indictment with additional allegations, including solicitation to commit a crime of violence, witness tampering, wire fraud, and conspiracy related to transporting a person for prostitution. Henley pleaded not guilty to these additional charges in August.

His ability to be released from federal custody has been the subject of previous legal proceedings. A magistrate judge denied bail in April 2025, citing concerns about potential obstruction and witness intimidation.

The current order may have implications beyond just the upcoming court session. Complex reported that the directive remains in effect for future proceedings unless modified by the court, allowing Marshals the authority to compel Henley’s appearance.

His trial is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027.

Thus, Henley is now engaged in a struggle against the federal government’s accusations while also facing the immediate challenge of ensuring his presence in the courtroom. The order dated Sept. 17 clearly indicated the judge’s stance: remaining in a jail cell may no longer be a viable option during court sessions.