Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson's alleged involvement in illegal dog fighting activities has led to multiple federal charges.
According to Daily Mail, Johnson has been indicted on 21 charges following the FBI's largest-ever seizure of fighting dogs from a single individual, with 190 pit bulls recovered during a raid in October.
The 54-year-old Oklahoma native allegedly operated a large-scale breeding and trafficking operation called "Mal Kant Kennels" while raising and training fighting dogs.
This marks his second involvement in dog fighting charges, following a guilty plea in 2004 for running "Krazyside Kennels," which resulted in a five-year deferred sentence.
Federal prosecutors claim Johnson specialized in breeding and training "champion" and "grand champion" pit bulls, selling breeding rights across the country. The operation allegedly included dogs with names like "War Pony," "Boot Stomper," and "Hogg."
One of his dogs, "Hogg," reportedly won eight fights, an unusually high number given the fatal nature of many dog fighting encounters. In the underground fighting world, dogs achieve "champion" status after three wins and "grand champion" status after five victories.
The investigation culminated in the seizure of dogs from two separate properties belonging to Johnson, with evidence reportedly recovered from his mobile phone.
Johnson now faces potential prison sentences of up to five years for each count and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted. The case was initially sealed until his arrest last Thursday in Muskogee.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the severity of the charges, stating:
Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment. 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.
The former NFL player's legal troubles extend beyond dog fighting. In 2014, Johnson participated in a class action lawsuit against the NFL regarding player protection from concussions during his six-year career with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants.
The October raid represents a significant milestone in federal efforts to combat illegal dog fighting operations. The recovery of 190 pit bulls marks the largest such seizure from an individual in FBI history.
Court documents reveal a three-month gap between the October seizure and Johnson's January indictment, with authorities carefully building their case before making the charges public this week.
LeShon Johnson, once an NFL running back with a six-year career spanning three teams, now faces federal prosecution for allegedly operating one of the largest dog fighting operations ever uncovered in the United States. The case involves 21 federal charges stemming from the October seizure of 190 pit bulls, and prosecutors are determined to pursue maximum penalties for what they describe as cruel and depraved acts of animal abuse.
