Former NFL player LeShon Johnson charged in FBI's largest dog fighting bust, 190 animals seized: indictment

Former NFL running back LeShon Eugene Johnson has been indicted on 21 charges in a massive federal dog fighting operation crackdown that resulted in the rescue of 190 pit bulls, as per the Justice Department.

Federal authorities said they believe it’s their largest seizure of fighting dogs from a single individual in U.S. history.

Johnson, aged 54 and hailing from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, stands accused of managing a significant breeding and trafficking setup under the alias “Mal Kant Kennels,” which included his active involvement in breeding and training dogs for fighting.

He pleaded guilty to similar charges at the state level in 2004.

A young Leshon Johnson poses next to a bull in rodeo gear

Portrait of Northern Illinois running back LeShon Johnson during a photo shoot at a ranch in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 16, 1993. (Ken Geiger /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Prosecutors said that is an unusually high number of victories, because dogs often suffer mortal injuries during brutal fights.

To become a “grand champion,” a dog needs to win five. A “champion” wins three.

“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment,” Attorney General Pam 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.”

GIANTS JOHNSON FLIPPED RUNNING AGAINST COLTS.

New York Giants running back LeShon Johnson flips over after a gain as he’s covered by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Mike Peterson (L) and safety Jason Belser during a game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (REUTERS)

According to court filings, a trove of evidence was recovered from Johnson’s phone, including text messages, a Facebook page, CashApp history, emails discussing sales and even pedigrees for the dogs. Authorities also seized dogs at two separate properties owned by Johnson.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau views animal cruelty cases as a stepping stone to organized crime, including trafficking and murder. 

“The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment,” he said in a statement. 

Johnson was indicted in January, court records show, but the court unsealed the filing this week after his arrest on Thursday in Muskogee. The dogs were seized from his property in October 2024 under the Animal Welfare Act, according to federal prosecutors, who said they believe the 190 animals mark the largest seizure from a single person in such a case.

Johnson, who played for the Packers, Cardinals and Giants during a six-year NFL career in the 1990s, was part of a 2014 class action lawsuit accusing the NFL of failing to protect players from concussions.

He faces up to five years in prison on each count if convicted and a $250,000 fine. Fox News Digital reached out to his attorney.

You May Also Like
Warning over terrifying online gang which pushes teenage victims to take nudes, hurt family pets or self-harm

Alert: Online gang coercing teenage victims into sharing explicit photos, harming family pets, or engaging in self-harm

A violent predator group has gotten the attention of the FBI after…
President Trump meets at White House with Ksenia Karelina, Russian-American former ballet dancer released in prisoner swap

President Trump meets with Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American former ballet dancer freed in prisoner exchange, at the White House

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump met in the Oval Office with Ksenia…
Trump reveals location of glistening new tower in the Middle East amid controversial crypto scheme

Trump Announces Location of New Tower in the Middle East Amid Crypto Scheme Controversy

Donald Trump, the President, is extending his real estate holdings to Dubai…
Simi Valley California plane crash: Paul Berkovitz, Matthew Berkovitz - father and son - identified as victims in deadly collision

Identification of Father and Son Victims in Fatal Collision in Simi Valley, California Plane Crash

In Simi Valley, California, a tragic incident occurred over the weekend involving…
Marvel's first Iron Man preschool series casts Tony Hale, Vanessa Bayer and Talon Warburton as villains.

Tony Hale, Vanessa Bayer, and Talon Warburton play villains in Marvel’s new Iron Man preschool series.

A new Marvel animated show is about to assemble on Disney Jr.…
When Is The Next Episode of ‘High Potential’ Coming Out? ‘High Potential’ Season 2 Info

Is “High Potential” Returning Today? How Many Episodes are There in “High Potential”? Find Out About Season 2 Renewal.

The debut season of High Potential ended with a bang. The latest…
Canadian PM Carney to meet Trump at White House after election influenced by annexation threats

Canadian Prime Minister Carney to visit White House to discuss post-election impacts of annexation threats made by Trump

OTTAWA – According to Canadian political analysts, while President Donald Trump was…
Governor JB Pritzker wooing Canadian tourists to visit Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker is encouraging Canadian tourists to come to Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is trying to woo…
Shocker: Newark Airport Not Safe for Travelers, According to Air Traffic Controller

Surprising: Air Traffic Controller Claims Newark Airport is Unsafe for Travelers

Newark, New Jersey’s airport is in a chaotic state. During my time…
India launches strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan

India launches military attack on terrorist bases in Pakistan

India has confirmed it conducted an operation targeting “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan,…
Daycare in wealthy enclave shutters after housing fugitive child predator arrested by ICE: report

Luxury Daycare in Affluent Area Closes Following Arrest of Fugitive Child Predator by ICE: Details

A Cape Cod home daycare has closed following reports that a fugitive…
German conservative's bid for chancellor falls short, a first in more than 75 years

German conservative candidate fails to become chancellor for the first time in over 75 years

Friedrich Merz, the conservative leader who was poised to become Germany’s next…