Former NFL player charged with human trafficking and ‘street gang terrorism’ after successful sting

The former NFL player has faced five charges related to alleged human trafficking in Georgia.

The Georgia Attorney General’s office outlined the charges against Eric Johnson, 46, and seven co-defendants in a press release Thursday.

Johnson, a former defenseman and linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons, was charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, sex trafficking, and three counts of violating the Terrorism and Street Fighting Prevention Act. gangs.

Prosecutors allege that Johnson held a leadership role in a street gang called LOTTO, which is an acronym for Last One To Take Over, according to WAGA-TV in Atlanta.

Former raider Eric Johnson arrested on human trafficking charges, RICO charges pic.twitter.com/gFNj8tvb1u

— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) February 17, 2023

The press release states that the gang originates from the street gangs Gangster Disciples and Crips.

The state prosecutor’s office accused the gang leaders of using proceeds from sex slavery to buy weapons and property.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr pointed to the allegations as the result of a wide-ranging investigation involving the state’s human-trafficking and gang-prosecuting units.

“Throughout our state, gangs are actively involved in human trafficking as a primary source of income, and we are using all available resources to fight back and protect the most vulnerable,” Carr said in a statement.

“By joining the forces of our anti-trafficking and gang prosecuting units, we are working to ensure that those who lead, promote and encourage this illegal activity are actively prosecuted and held accountable for their actions,” he said.

“This indictment is just the latest result of our ongoing efforts to keep our children and our families safe as we strive to eradicate violent crime wherever it occurs.”

Some of the eight defendants face even more charges than Johnson, including charges of kidnapping and assault.

According to WAGA, the LOTTO investigation has been ongoing for several months since last year.

The suspects were initially arrested in November, and this month a grand jury returned the RICO charges to the defendants.

Johnson has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations.

The Nebraska-based product only started two games in his NFL career, both in 2003.

He is best known for returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVII, which his Raiders lost to Tampa Bay 48–21.

Former Nebraska Players Scored in Super Bowl (5/7)

Eric Johnson
-13 yard blocked return TD (SB XXXVII) pic.twitter.com/wCKgrkMK52

— Uncle Jeff (@ebsoftball) February 12, 2023

According to WAGA, eight suspects face life in prison.