In BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma, former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been accused of running a significant dogfighting enterprise that led to the confiscation of 190 dogs. This is noted as the highest number of dogs ever removed from a single individual in a federal dogfighting probe, as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice.
LeShon Johnson, hailing from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, faces charges related to the possession of pit bulls for participation in animal fighting activities and for the sale, transportation, and provision of a dog for involvement in such ventures, according to an announcement by the department on Tuesday.
In October 2024, the dogs were removed from Johnson’s custody. Allegedly, he managed the dogfighting ring known as “Mal Kant Kennels” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, based on information found in legal filings.
“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm.”
Johnson previously pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in 2004 in Oklahoma. He was given a five-year deferred sentence, according to court documents.
Johnson’s lawyer, Courtney R. Jordan, declined to comment on the case.
Johnson allegedly bred dogs that had won as many as five fights and then sold “stud rights” and their offspring to other dogfighters. The trafficking took place across the U.S. and helped to grow the dogfighting industry, while resulting in Johnson profiting financially, according to the Justice Department.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison on each count and a $250,000 fine.
“The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “The FBI views animal cruelty investigations as a precursor to larger, organized crime efforts, similar to trafficking and homicides. This is yet another push in the FBI’s crackdown of violent offenders harming our most innocent.”
Johnson was inducted to the Northern Illinois University Hall of Fame in 2003.
Johnson was a running back who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants from 1994-1999.
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