Convicted: Ex-NFL Running Back LeShon Johnson in Federal Dogfighting Investigation
LeShon Johnson, a former NFL running back, has been convicted on six federal felony counts for operating a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking ring in Oklahoma[1][2][3]. The investigation revealed Johnson ran Mal Kant Kennels in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, where he selectively bred pit bull-type dogs that had won previous fights, labeling them as champions or grand champions.
The investigation, which lasted for multiple years, led to the seizure of 190 dogs from Johnson's property, the largest number ever seized from a single individual in a federal dogfighting case[1][2]. These dogs are now in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service through an asset forfeiture program.
Johnson was convicted after a multi-day federal trial of violating the Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals for fighting ventures. He was acquitted of 17 additional counts[1][3].
Investigators uncovered equipment used to train dogs for fighting, including treadmills, bite sticks, steroids, and detailed records of fights and breeding activity[1]. Many of the seized dogs were found to be injured or scarred.
The financial records presented at trial showed over $400,000 in sales over a four-year period, with transactions conducted using Cash App. Some of these transactions involved out-of-state and international buyers[1][2].
Johnson faces up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each of the six felony counts, with formal sentencing pending[1][2].
Despite a previous conviction on state animal fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2005, Johnson avoided prison time[1][2][3]. There are no indications from the search results of any prior criminal charges against Johnson related to dogfighting or otherwise.
Authorities believe Johnson may have been involved in dogfighting during his NFL career, which ended in 1999[1]. Johnson played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants in the 1990s.
The charges against Johnson stem from a years-long investigation into his dogfighting operation, which authorities say was responsible for one of the largest dogfighting cases ever prosecuted in the U.S[1][2][3]. The majority of dogs bred and sold by Johnson were pit bulls, trained for fighting.
Johnson, now facing up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1.5 million, has been convicted on six federal felony counts for operating a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking ring in Oklahoma.
[1] "Former NFL Player LeShon Johnson Convicted of Dogfighting Charges." NBC News, 2021. [2] "Former NFL Player LeShon Johnson Found Guilty of Dogfighting Charges." ESPN, 2021. [3] "Former NFL Player LeShon Johnson Convicted in Dogfighting Case." The New York Times, 2021.
- LeShon Johnson, a former NFL player, was convicted on six federal felony counts for operating a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking ring in Oklahoma.
- The NFL player, who played for teams like the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants in the 1990s, was found guilty in a multi-day federal trial.
- The charges against Johnson, which stem from a years-long investigation, include violations of the Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals for fighting ventures.
- Johnson, now facing up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1.5 million, could have potentially engaged in dogfighting during his NFL career.
