A newly released indictment sheds light on a major gang and human trafficking investigation in the Atlanta area. Eight alleged gang members, including a former NFL player, are being accused of trafficking four women and one girl.
Eric Johnson, who played in the NFL, is among eight people indicted for alleged gang and human trafficking activity in Gwinnett County from 2021-2022. Johnson is one of the alleged members of the LOTTO gang which stands for “Last One to Take Over” gang.
Attorney General Chris Carr stated that the “LOTTO Gang” members are facing 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, per FOX 5 Atlanta.
All eight were indicted by a grand jury on Feb. 8th. Carr alleges that the LOTTO gang engaged in human trafficking for money to support their members as well as purchase weapons, among other things.
“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,” Carr said via FOX 5 Atlanta. “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.”
Johnson, known as “EJ” in the gang, is being charged with RICO, trafficking of persons for sexual servitude and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Johnson was a former NFL player having spent the 2004 season with the Atlanta Falcons. Prior to that, he played three seasons with the then-Oakland Raiders, best known for returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVII.
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He also played one year with the Cardinals before joining the Georgia Force for two seasons ending in 2008.
The 46-year-old remains in the Gwinnett County Jail facing 9 charges from probation violation to felony trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
