Former NFL player Eric Johnson has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a Crips-affiliated gang that systematically trafficked minors and young women across Southern California, marking another victory in Trump’s America for law enforcement cracking down on predators who exploit our most vulnerable children.
Former NFL Star Falls to Gang Life
Eric Johnson, who played tight end for the Atlanta Falcons and other NFL teams, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The 49-year-old’s sentencing represents a stunning fall from professional athletics to federal prison. Johnson’s case emerged from a comprehensive investigation targeting the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South Los Angeles, where gang members systematically exploited vulnerable women and children for profit.
Federal prosecutors revealed Johnson operated within a larger criminal enterprise that controlled prostitution activities along one of Los Angeles’ most dangerous streets. The gang used violence, coercion, and psychological manipulation to maintain control over their victims. Court documents show the organization branded women and girls, treating them as property while generating substantial illegal revenue through forced prostitution and exploitation.
Systematic Exploitation of Minors Exposed
The criminal enterprise specifically targeted minors and economically vulnerable young women, often runaways seeking shelter and safety. In April 2024, gang members trafficked a 14-year-old girl using South Los Angeles motels as their base of operations. The organization employed modern technology including social media platforms and digital payment applications to coordinate their trafficking activities across state lines, demonstrating the sophisticated nature of contemporary human trafficking operations.
Gang members attempted to abduct two female victims in San Bernardino in April 2022, illustrating the brazen tactics employed by the organization. The victims endured physical violence, forced drug use, and psychological trauma designed to break their resistance and ensure compliance. Federal investigators documented the systematic nature of the abuse, revealing how gang members operated with impunity until coordinated law enforcement action dismantled their network.
Federal Crackdown Delivers Justice
The investigation involved multiple agencies including IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, LAPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office working in unprecedented coordination. This represents exactly the kind of aggressive law enforcement approach Americans expect from the new administration’s commitment to protecting children and dismantling organized crime. Eleven defendants were charged in the federal indictment, with several facing mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years and potential life imprisonment.
Former NFLer Eric Johnson learns his fate for human trafficking with feared Crips-tied gang https://t.co/giySAAw4nP pic.twitter.com/fUUAvlrhjN
— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2025
Operation “Vice Grip” in San Diego served as a parallel investigation, resulting in 38 indictments and the seizure of motels used for trafficking operations. These coordinated efforts demonstrate how federal resources can effectively target gang enterprises that have operated with relative impunity for years. The cases signal a renewed commitment to protecting American communities from predators who exploit our most vulnerable citizens, particularly children who deserve safety and protection.
Sources:
Former Falcons Player Sentenced 20 Years Prison Human Trafficking Gang Case
DA Hochman Highlights Ongoing Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts Coordination Recent Federal