Conviction of previous NFL running back, LeShon Johnson, in a federal dogfighting investigation
Former NFL Player Convicted for Operating Large-Scale Dogfighting Ring
LeShon Johnson, a former NFL running back who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, has been convicted on six federal felony counts for his role in operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma.
The conviction, which took place in 2024, relates to Johnson's operation under the name "Mal Kant Kennels", where he bred and sold pit bull-type dogs, trained for fighting, across multiple locations in Oklahoma.
The operation, which is reported to be one of the largest dogfighting cases ever prosecuted in the U.S., saw federal agents seize 190 dogs from Johnson's properties in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. This seizure is said to be the largest ever made in a federal dogfighting case.
Many of the seized dogs were found to be injured or scarred, indicating possible mistreatment. Evidence presented at trial included detailed records of fights and breeding activity, as well as financial records detailing the sales. The seized equipment included treadmills, bite sticks, steroids, and other training equipment.
Johnson's dogfighting operation was not his first brush with animal cruelty charges. He had a prior state conviction for dogfighting in 2004. The charges against him in this case stem from a years-long investigation into his operation.
Each of the six felony counts carries a maximum of five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. Johnson faces sentencing where these penalties will be determined by the federal judge. He was acquitted of 17 other felony counts related to the case.
The fines Johnson faces total up to $1.5 million. The federal case was prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act restrictions against possessing, selling, transporting, or delivering animals for fighting ventures. The dogs seized were placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, who care for such animals through asset forfeiture programs.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pamela Bondi publicly condemned the crime, emphasizing the government's commitment to combating animal cruelty and prosecuting organized dogfighting.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Convicted Charges | 6 felony counts linked to dogfighting and trafficking | | Seized Animals | 190 pit bull-type dogs (largest federal seizure from one person) | | Operation Scope | Breeding "champion" dogs, selling stud rights & offspring nationwide| | Prior History | Convicted previously in 2004 for dogfighting (state level) | | Penalties | Up to 5 years prison & $250k fine per felony count | | Evidence | Seizure of dogs, witness testimonies, trafficking records | | Kennel Locations | Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma |
This case marks one of the largest federal dogfighting prosecutions in U.S. history and exemplifies strict enforcement against animal cruelty within the federal justice system.
In 2024, LeShon Johnson, a former NFL player who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, was convicted for operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma. Known as "Mal Kant Kennels", Johnson's operation was one of the largest dogfighting cases ever prosecuted in the U.S., with federal agents seizing 190 dogs from his properties. The seized dogs were found to be injured, and Johnson had a prior state conviction for dogfighting in 2004. Each felony count carries a maximum of five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines, totaling up to $1.5 million in fines for Johnson. This case is an exemplary instance of the federal government's commitment to combating animal cruelty in sports-related cases, specifically within the realm of American football (which is part of the general-news and sports categories).
