Convicted ex-NFL running back, LeShon Johnson, faces federal penalties after being found guilty of dogfighting
In a shocking turn of events, former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six federal felony counts for operating a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking operation in Oklahoma. The operation, which involved the sale of pit bull-type dogs trained for fighting, was one of the largest ever prosecuted in the U.S.
Johnson, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants in the 1990s, now faces up to 30 years in prison. His conviction stems from a years-long investigation into his operation, known as "Mal Kant Kennels."
The operation, which was conducted under the guise of a kennel business, primarily involved pit bulls. Investigators uncovered equipment used to train dogs for fighting, including treadmills, bite sticks, steroids, and detailed records of fights and breeding activity. Some transactions involved out-of-state and international buyers.
Federal agents seized 190 dogs from Johnson's properties in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Okla., marking the largest seizure of its kind in a federal dogfighting case. Many of the seized animals were found to be injured or scarred.
Johnson had a prior state conviction for dogfighting from 2005, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence. However, he managed to avoid prison time in that conviction.
Financial records presented at trial showed over $400,000 in sales over a four-year period. Johnson faces fines totaling up to $1.5 million. The dogfighting case involving Johnson is one of the largest ever prosecuted in the U.S.
Authorities emphasize the case's significance, underscoring their commitment to prosecuting animal cruelty crimes. FBI and Department of Justice officials have stated that the case underscores their dedication to combating such crimes.
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- The shocking conviction of former NFL player LeShon Johnson, who had previously played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, has been a leading topic in general news, following a 6-count federal felony verdict for operating a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking operation in Oklahoma.
- Johnson's criminal activity, involving the sale of pit bull-type dogs trained for fighting, was one of the largest ever prosecuted in the U.S., as highlighted in sports and crime-and-justice reports.
- A year's-long investigation into Johnson's operation, dubbed "Mal Kant Kennels," revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales over a four-year period, as stated in financial reports presented at trial.
- Johnson's operation, initially presented as a kennel business, included equipment for training dogs for fighting and extensive records of fights and breeding activity, making it a significant event in the world of American football and sports.
