Leshon Johnson: Former NFL player charged in largest dogfighting ring bust ever
Following a multi-day trial, a federal jury in Oklahoma last week convicted Leshon Eugene Johnson, 54, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures.
Following the verdict, Johnson surrendered to the government the 190 dogs seized in this case. The government is pursuing forfeiture of these dogs. The United States Marshals Service cares for dogs seized in dog fighting cases through its asset forfeiture program.
The 54-year-old Johnson is a former running back who played for the NFL for six seasons in the 1990s. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1994 NFL draft. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants and the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL. He was arrested and pled guilty for dog fighting in 2004 and arrested again in 2025 in the largest FBI bust on a dog fighting ring.
Source: Pro Football Reference)
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Johnson’s conviction stems from an indictment unsealed in March which detailed his operation of “Mal Kant Kennels.” The jury heard evidence that Johnson bred and trafficked “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs and their offspring for the purpose of dog fighting, profiting from the cruel and illegal industry. Authorities seized the 190 dogs from his property, which is the largest number ever seized from a single individual in a federal dog fighting case. Johnson, who had a prior state conviction for dog fighting in 2004, will be sentenced at a later date.
He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 – on each count of the six felony counts.
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(Source: Department of Justice)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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