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A former professional football running back has been found guilty on six felony charges for running a large-scale dog-fighting operation after a lengthy trial in Oklahoma.
The conviction of Leshon Johnson, 54, was announced by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs. Johnson was found guilty of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals for fighting purposes.
The announcement revealed that Johnson, who played in the NFL for five seasons with three different teams, surrendered the “190 dogs seized in this case” to the government.
Running back Leshon Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball during a 31-21 loss to the New York Jets at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Stephen Dunn/ALLSPORT)
“This individual profited from the suffering of innocent animals and will face severe consequences for his despicable actions,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated. “This case highlights the Department of Justice’s dedication to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to the excellent collaborative efforts of our attorneys and law enforcement agencies.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added: “The FBI will not tolerate those who engage in the abhorrent crime of dogfighting. Thanks to the diligent work of our law enforcement partners, those involved in organized animal fighting and cruelty will be held accountable.”
Running back Leshon Johnson #32 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the football during the Cardinals 19-18 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-18 win at Houlihan”s Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Andy Lyons /Allsport)
The conviction stemmed from an unsealed indictment in March that detailed Johnson’s operation at “Mal Kant Kennels.” Evidence presented to the federal jury showed that Johnson bred and trafficked “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs.
“Authorities confiscated the 190 dogs from his property, the largest number ever seized from an individual in a federal dog fighting case,” the announcement stated.
Johnson had a previous dogfighting conviction in the state in 2004. He pleaded guilty to the offense in 2005, receiving a five-year deferred sentence.
Two years later, the NFL faced another scandal involving dogfighting when Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty to his involvement in a fighting ring and served 21 months in prison.
Johnson now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each felony count.
“Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane crime that has no place in society,” U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma stated. “I commend the diligent work of our law enforcement partners in investigating this case and holding the defendant accountable for his actions.”
Arizona Cardinals running back LeShon Johnson (32) in action against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium. (Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Johnson began his NFL career as a third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 1994 NFL Draft. He had a limited role in Green Bay and was released midway through the 1995 season.
He then joined the Arizona Cardinals, where he had the most success of his NFL career. In 1996, he started eight of 15 games, rushing for 634 yards with three touchdowns, and catching 15 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown.
After one more season in Arizona, Johnson played for the New York Giants in 1999 in a backup role. He also had a stint in the XFL following his NFL career.
