The Atlanta area has been rocked by the news that former NFL defensive back Eric Johnson has been indicted on human trafficking charges along with seven other individuals. The charges range from human trafficking, racketeering, aggravated assault, kidnapping and gang-related offenses.
The 46-year-old Johnson is most known for his time in the NFL, where he played for the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals from 2000 to 2005. Johnson is perhaps most remembered for his touchdown in the Raiders’ 48-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII. The Raiders were trailing 34-9 when Johnson blocked a punt and returned it 13 yards for a TD.
In addition to his human trafficking charges, Johnson is also facing a charge of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a count of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, and three charges of violating the state’s street gang terrorism and prevention act. According to the Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, the eight charged are also accused of recruiting people to join the LOTTO gang, and Johnson is alleged to be a leader in the gang, along with two other men.
The alleged crimes were committed between October 2021 and July 2022. If convicted, Johnson faces serious jail time and potential fines.
The human trafficking charges against Johnson serve as a reminder of the horrors of modern-day slavery and the importance of fighting against it. It is a reminder that no one is above the law and that the fight against human trafficking is a fight that all of us must join.
