Former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Eric Duane Johnson has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a gang-linked human trafficking operation in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The 49-year-old Decatur resident pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including gang activity and pimping, in a case involving the trafficking of five victims—including a child.
Johnson, who played in the NFL from 2000 to 2006 with the Falcons, Raiders, and Cardinals, is among nine convicted members of the Last One To Take Over (LOTTO) gang, a group with ties to national gangs such as the Crips and Gangster Disciples.
According to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Johnson transported two female victims and supplied money and firearms to gang leaders. Another defendant, Bobby Jamaine Downing, 43, was directly involved in trafficking all five victims and received a 30-year sentence, including 12 years in prison.
The gang used Airbnbs across three Georgia counties to house and exploit victims. The operation came under scrutiny after a 2022 shooting involving gang members at an Airbnb in Gwinnett County prompted a broader investigation.
Johnson pleaded guilty on August 15 to:
Violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
Conspiracy to violate the RICO Act
Pimping
He received a 20-year sentence, with 10 years in prison and the remainder on strict probation.
Downing, who pleaded guilty on July 31, was also ordered to register as a sex offender.
“This is a criminal network that trafficked a child to make money,” said AG Carr. “We went after all those involved — taking down the gang’s leaders, associates, and the entire LOTTO operation.”
Authorities believe the sentencing marks a major win in dismantling the trafficking ring and protecting vulnerable victims in Georgia.
