Eric Johnson, 49, a former NFL player, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges connected to human trafficking and gang activity.
Johnson was one of 10 men sentenced for their roles in a group known as LOTTO (“Last One to Take Over Gang”), which investigators say is affiliated with the Crips and Gangster Disciples.
In August, Johnson admitted guilt to one count of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, one count of conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), and one count of pimping. His sentence includes both prison time and strict probation.
The indictments came down in 2023, and all nine co-defendants have since been convicted. Johnson and Bobby Downing were the last to be sentenced after pleading guilty. Downing received a 30-year sentence, with 12 years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The case originated on May 19, 2022, after a shooting involving defendants Sean Patrick Harvey and Sean Aaron Curry. Authorities discovered the men’s connections to LOTTO during their arrests, sparking a wider investigation. That probe revealed that Johnson and others had trafficked five female victims, including a minor.
The Georgia Office of the Attorney General issued a statement saying:
“This is a criminal network that trafficked a child to make money, and we went after all those involved – taking down the gang’s leaders, associates and the entire LOTTO operation. We’re fighting each day to protect our most vulnerable Georgians, and we won’t rest until every predator and violent criminal is held accountable.”
