Former Nebraska, NFL player Eric Johnson arrested on human trafficking, gang charges

Eric Johnson, a former Nebraska standout who played in the NFL for six years, was arrested on human trafficking and other gang-related charges, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. He’s one of eight people arrested and indicted by a grand jury as part of the case.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said the eight members of the “LOTTO Gang” 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, aggravated assault, and kidnapping,” FOX 5 wrote. Carr’s office alleged the gang planned to recruit members and engage in human trafficking to support their member.

“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. “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 played at Nebraska from 1996-99, starring as a linebacker and leading the team in tackles as a junior before heading to the NFL. He started his career with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent from 2000-03 before playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2004 and the Arizona Cardinals in 2005. With the Raiders, he blocked a punt in Super Bowl XXXVII and returned it for a touchdown as Oakland fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-21.

After the NFL, Johnson played two years in the AFL before his football career ended in 2009.