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Eric Johnson, a former NFL player who spent four seasons with the Raiders, is among 8 people who have been arrested on human trafficking and gang-related charges.
The 46-year-old Johnson is being charged with conspiracy to violate the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act (RICO), trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
The arrests came after a month-long investigation by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Section.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Attorney General Chris Carr is a member of “LOTTO Gang” which allegedly engaged in human trafficking to earn money to support gang members and purchase weapons, among other things.
LOTTO stands for “Last One To Take Over” and is a hybrid of the Gangster Disciples and Crips.
In the indictment, it was found that LOTTO gang allegedly used violence to keep women they trafficked under their control and held against their will.
Eight alleged gang members, including a former NFL player, are being accused of trafficking four women and one girl. https://t.co/jFWkELS51I
— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) February 17, 2023
That added aggravated assault and kidnapping charges to some of the 8 arrested members.
“Throughout our state, gangs are actively engaged in human trafficking as a primary means to make money, and we are using all available resources to fight back and protect our most vulnerable,” Attorney General Carr said. “By combining the strengths of our Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units, we are working to ensure that those who lead, promote and encourage this unlawful activity are vigorously pursued and held accountable for their actions. This indictment is just the latest outcome in our ongoing efforts to keep our children and our families safe as we seek to root out violent crime wherever it occurs.”
During his time in the NFL, Johnson was best known as a special teams ace who returned a blocked punt for a touchdown for the Raiders in a Super Bowl XXXVII loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals.