Former NFL running back Leshon Eugene Johnson, aged 54, was found guilty on Monday for his involvement in a significant dog fighting and human trafficking operation, as announced by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Although he was acquitted of 17 other related charges, he was convicted of six felony counts related to possessing a dog for use in animal fights.
Authorities seized an astonishing 190 dogs from Johnson’s kennel, marking this as the largest confiscation of its kind from a single individual in federal history, according to the DOJ.
“The FBI does not represent people who perpetuate the sleazy crimes of dog fights,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thanks to our law enforcement partners, those who engage in organized animal fights will face justice.”
As Johnson awaits sentencing, which could entail up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 for each count, details emerge about his operation, Mal Cant Kennels located in Broken Arrow. Here, he bred pit bull-type dogs that were deemed champions based on their fighting abilities. The government had previously taken control of the 190 dogs, with intentions for their permanent confiscation.
The DOJ elaborated that Johnson trained a pit bull that won multiple fights and subsequently sold breeding rights to other participants in the illegal dogfighting scene, thereby expanding the underground network.
Defending Johnson, attorney Billy Coyle argued that his client is a regular dog breeder, unencumbered by accusations of dog fighting prior to this. He highlighted that the majority of charges were dismissed by the judge.
“He was simply a breeder of an American pit bull terrier,” Coyle emphasized. “Some of his dogs may have been used in dog fights, which are indeed hard to prove.”
Coyle also criticized federal officials for their aggressive methods in arresting Johnson. Notably, Johnson had a previous guilty plea for an animal struggle incident in Oklahoma back in 2004, which resulted in a five-year deferred sentence.
