Former NFL Player Indicted in Massive Dogfighting Operation; 190 Dogs Rescued
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – Former NFL running back leshon Johnson faces federal charges for allegedly operating a large-scale dogfighting venture. Authorities seized 190 dogs from Johnson in October 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday,calling it the largest seizure from a single individual in a federal dogfighting probe.
Allegations and Charges
Johnson, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is charged with possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in such a venture, according to the Justice Department.
Court documents allege Johnson ran the dogfighting operation, known as “Mal Kant Kennels,” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma.
Details of the Alleged Operation
Authorities claim Johnson bred dogs that had won multiple fights, then sold ”stud rights” and their offspring to other dogfighters. This trafficking allegedly spanned across the U.S., contributing to the growth of the dogfighting industry and generating financial profit for Johnson, according to the Justice Department.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Johnson could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Official Statements
While Johnson’s lawyer declined to comment, Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “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.”
FBI director Kash Patel added, “The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment. 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.”
JohnsonS NFL Career
Johnson played as a running back in the NFL from 1994 to 1999 for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants.
What potential penalties could LeShon Johnson face if convicted on all charges?
Former NFL Player Indicted in Massive Dogfighting Operation; 190 Dogs Rescued
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – former NFL running back leshon Johnson faces federal charges for allegedly operating a large-scale dogfighting venture. Authorities seized 190 dogs from Johnson in october 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday,calling it the largest seizure from a single individual in a federal dogfighting probe.
Allegations and Charges
Johnson, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is charged with possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in such a venture, according to the Justice Department.
Court documents allege Johnson ran the dogfighting operation, known as “Mal Kant Kennels,” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, oklahoma.
Details of the Alleged Operation
Authorities claim Johnson bred dogs that had won multiple fights, then sold ”stud rights” and their offspring to other dogfighters. this trafficking allegedly spanned across the U.S., contributing to the growth of the dogfighting industry and generating financial profit for Johnson, according to the Justice Department.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Johnson could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Official Statements
While Johnson’s lawyer declined to comment, Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “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.”
FBI director kash Patel added,“The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment. 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.”
JohnsonS NFL Career
Johnson played as a running back in the NFL from 1994 to 1999 for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants.
Q&A: Unpacking the LeShon Johnson Dogfighting Case
Q: Who is LeShon Johnson?
A: LeShon Johnson is a former NFL running back who played from 1994 to 1999.He played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants.
Q: What is he accused of?
A: Johnson is accused of running a large-scale dogfighting operation, “Mal Kant Kennels,” involving breeding, selling, and transporting dogs for fights.
Q: Were did this alleged operation take place?
A: The operation was based in Broken Arrow and Haskell,Oklahoma.
Q: What kind of dogs were involved?
A: The article specifies “pit bull-type dogs”.
Q: How many dogs were seized?
A: 190 dogs were seized in October 2024, which the U.S. Department of Justice called the largest seizure from a single individual in a federal dogfighting probe.
Q: What are the potential penalties if Johnson is convicted?
A: He could face a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
Q: Why is the FBI involved in this case?
A: The FBI views animal cruelty investigations as a precursor to larger organized crime efforts, such as trafficking and homicides.
Q: Where can I report animal cruelty?
A: You can report animal cruelty to local law enforcement or animal control agencies. You can also contact the ASPCA or the Humane Society.
This case shines a light on the dark world of dogfighting and underscores the importance of reporting and preventing animal cruelty in our communities.
