Eugene Henley Jr. faces forced court appearance after allegedly refusing to leave jail cell

A federal judge has authorized U.S. Marshals to use reasonable force and restraints to compel the appearance of Eugene ‘Big U’ Henley Jr. in court after he allegedly refused to leave his jail cell for a hearing on September 17.

U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha issued the order following reports that Henley would not leave his cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. The order stipulates that Marshals must provide Henley with a final warning and an opportunity to comply voluntarily before using force. Additionally, authorities are instructed to avoid any measures that could jeopardize Henley due to a medical condition.

The hearing in question involved an emergency request from Henley’s attorneys to withdraw from representing him, citing overwhelming evidence in the case. Henley, who has been in federal custody since March of last year, faces a wide range of charges including racketeering, witness tampering, wire fraud, and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.