On Thursday, former NFL player Eric Johnson was among the eight individuals arrested for trafficking four women and one girl, along with other gang-related charges.
In addition to trafficking, the “LOTTO Gang” members have been charged with violations of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, conspiracy to violate the RICO act, aggravated assault, and kidnapping, said Attorney General Chris Carr.
Last week a grand jury indicted all eight of the individuals.
After a month-long investigation, all eight members of the LOTTO gang were exposed, and it was found that the gang funded its operations through human trafficking.
The indictment on the LOTTO gang found 41 “predicate and overt acts” committed between October 2021 and July 2022, including holding women against their will using violence.
“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 to 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 the latest outcome in our ongoing efforts to keep our children and families safe as we seek to root out violent crime wherever it occurs.”
According to police, Johnson, known as “EJ” in the gang, has been arrested for RICO, trafficking in persons for sexual servitude, and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Johnson played in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders from 2000-2003, the Atlanta Falcons in 2004, and Arizona Cardinals in 2005.
