Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six felonies for his role in the biggest federal dog-fighting bust of all time.
An Oklahoma federal jury found Johnson, 54, guilty of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fights, the US Department of Justice announced on Monday.
The conviction stems from Johnson’s arrest in March following a huge raid that led to the recovery of 190 pit bulls.
The FBI believe it was the largest seizure of fighting dogs from a single individual in US history.
Johnson, who played for the Green Bay Packers , Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants over the course of his six-year career, was accused of running a large-scale breeding and trafficking operation known as ‘Mal Kant Kennels’ while also raising fighting dogs himself.
Following last week’s guilty verdict, Johnson was forced to surrender his dogs to the government, which will be cared for by the United States Marshals Service.
LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six felonies stemming from dog fighting
‘This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,’ said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
‘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.’
Johnson faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The Oklahoma native allegedly trained ‘champion’ and ‘grand champion’ pit bulls before selling breeding rights around the country.
Back in 2004, he pleaded guilty to similar charges at state level after operating the ‘Krazyside Kennels’, which earned him a five-year deferred sentence.
This time around, Johnson allegedly raised champion fighting dogs with names such as ‘War Pony’, ‘Boot Stomper’ and ‘Hogg’ – the latter of which reportedly won eight fights.
According to prosecutors, that is an unusually high number of victories given dogs often suffer fatal injuries during fights.
To become a ‘grand champion’ a dog needs to win five times, while ‘champion’ status is given after three.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Johnson ‘will face severe consequences for his vile crimes’
‘The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,’ said Director Kash Patel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
‘Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.’
Court records show that Johnson was indicted in January, three months after the dogs were seized from his property under the Animal Welfare Act, per Fox News.
Evidence was allegedly recovered from his mobile phone, before authorities seized dogs at two separate properties belonging to the ex-NFL player.
