On Thursday, Eric Johnson, who played in the NFL for six seasons from 2000 to 2005, was among eight people accused of trafficking four women and one girl, as well as other gang-related counts.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Attorney General Chris Carr has stated that members of the “LOTTO Gang” face charges of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, conspiracy to violate the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act (RICO), aggravated assault, and kidnapping.
The grand jury indicted all eight on February 8.
Following a month-long inquiry, according to Carr, all eight gang members were uncovered. Among other things, he claims that the LOTTO gang engaged in people trafficking for financial support and to purchase weapons.
The LOTTO gang is accused of doing 41 “predicate and overt acts” between October 2021 and July 2022, as evidenced by the comprehensive indictment. There, it is said that the gang kept the trafficked women under control by violence and against their will.
“Throughout our state, gangs are actively engaged in human trafficking as a primary source of income, and we are employing all available resources to fight back and protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Carr said via FOX 5 Atlanta. “By merging the expertise of our Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Teams, we are ensuring that those who lead, promote, and encourage this illegal activity will be rigorously pursued and held accountable for their acts. This indictment is the most recent result of our continued efforts to keep our children and families safe and to eradicate violent crime wherever it occurs.
Johnson, also known as “EJ” in the gang, is charged with RICO, human trafficking for sexual slavery, and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Violence Prevention Act.
The 46-year-old left Nebraska to join the Oakland Raiders, where he spent four seasons from 2000 to 2003. In 2003, when the Raiders were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII, he returned Tim Johnson’s blocked punt for a touchdown.
Johnson would play for the Atlanta Falcons for one season in 2004 and the Arizona Cardinals for his final season in 2005.
»Former NFL star Eric Johnson among 8 detained on human trafficking, gang charges«