LeShon Johnson, a former running back who played five seasons in the NFL, has been convicted of six felony counts in relation to his role in a record-setting dog-fighting bust.
A U.S. federal jury in Oklahoma found the former NFLer guilty last week of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures, the Department of Justice announced on Monday.
Johnson, who played in the NFL from 1994-99, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to US$250,000 on each count. He will be sentenced at a later date.
In the bust, officials said that they had seized 190 dogs, which the Department of Justice believes is the largest-ever seizure of dogs in a federal case of this kind.
“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” U.S. attorney general Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.”
During the multi-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Johnson had bred and trafficked dogs for his ‘Mal Kant Kennels’ operation in order to fight them.
Federal prosecutors said that the 54-year-old was selectively breeding “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs — canines that have won multiple fights — to create offspring that could fight.
“The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.”
Johnson previously had pleaded guilty to state charges related to animal fighting in Oklahoma in 2004.
During his NFL career, Johnson played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. He ran for 955 yards and scored seven touchdowns during his career.