Former NFL Player Convicted in Federal Dog Fighting Case: Leshon Eugene Johnson Faces Severe Consequences for Large-Scale Operation
A former NFL player from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Leshon Eugene Johnson, was recently convicted by a federal jury on six felony counts related to running a large-scale dog fighting and trafficking operation. The charges were in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits the possession, sale, transportation, and delivery of animals for fighting purposes. Johnson surrendered 190 dogs that were seized in connection with the case, and the government is seeking forfeiture of these animals, which are currently in the care of the United States Marshals Service through its asset forfeiture program.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned Johnson's actions, stating that he profited from the suffering of innocent animals and will face severe consequences for his crimes. The case underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to safeguarding animals from abuse. The indictment, unsealed in March, revealed Johnson's operation of "Mal Kant Kennels," where he bred and trafficked fighting dogs. The authorities seized the 190 dogs from his property, marking the largest number ever taken from a single individual in a federal dog fighting case.
Johnson, who had a previous state conviction for dog fighting in 2004, could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. His sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.