Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been convicted for his part in a large-scale dogfighting operation in Oklahoma, federal prosecutors announced.
The 54-year-old Johnson was convicted of six felony counts of possessing dogs for use in an animal-fighting venture and acquitted of 17 other similar counts. Johnson is now facing up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count. He will be sentenced at a later date.
“This conviction sends a strong message that those who abuse animals for entertainment and profit will face serious consequences under federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in a statement. “ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and our partners are committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who perpetuate the brutal practice of dog fighting and to disrupting this illegal and inhumane industry.”
Johnson allegedly ran the dogfighting operation, known as "Mal Kant Kennels," out of Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. According to court documents, he bred “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs to produce offspring with abilities that would allow them to take part in dogfights. He was arrested on March 20 and released on bail. One week later, Johnson was indicted on federal charges after 190 dogs were seized from him in October under the Animal Welfare Act.
“He was simply a breeder of the American pit bull terrier,” said Johnson's lawyer, Billy Coyle. “Obviously the jury found that some of his dogs bred were probably or were used in dog fighting, and those were difficult charges to fight.”
In 2004, Johnson pled guilty to state animal fighting charges after running “Krazyside Kennels." He received a five-year deferred sentence, according to court documents.
Johnson, 54, played five seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. His career spanned from 1994-1999 after being a third-round draft pick out of Northern Illinois.
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