OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former NFL player, Leshon Eugene Johnson, 54, from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, has been found guilty of multiple felony counts related to a large-scale dogfighting operation, according to federal prosecutors. Johnson was convicted on six felony counts of possessing dogs intended for use in an animal-fighting venture. However, he was acquitted of 17 other similar charges.
Johnson could face a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count when he is formally sentenced at a later date. FBI Director Kash Patel expressed the agency's commitment to combating dogfighting, stating, "The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting." He emphasized the importance of collaboration with law enforcement partners in bringing justice to those involved in organized animal fighting and cruelty.
Prosecutors allege that Johnson operated Mal Kant Kennels in both Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. He is said to have selectively bred pit bull-type dogs that were considered champions due to their victories in dog fights. Earlier this year, the government seized 190 dogs from Johnson, which are currently under the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The Justice Department claims that Johnson bred dogs known to have won as many as five fights and subsequently sold "stud rights" and their offspring to other dogfighters. This trafficking reportedly occurred across the United States and contributed to the growth of the dogfighting industry, enabling Johnson to profit financially from his operations.
Johnson's attorney, Billy Coyle, defended his client by stating that Johnson was merely a breeder of American pit bull terriers and was not accused of fighting the dogs. He noted that the jury acquitted Johnson on most of the counts against him, which underscores the complexity of the case. Coyle remarked, "He was simply a breeder of the American pit bull terrier. Obviously, the jury found that some of his dogs bred were probably or were used in dog fighting, and those were difficult charges to fight."
Coyle also criticized the tactics employed by federal agents in the operation, describing a late-night raid at Johnson's home where more than 40 officers were involved. He claimed that the officers pointed guns at Johnson and his wife during the seizure of their dogs and property.
According to court documents, this is not Johnson's first encounter with the law regarding animal fighting. In 2004, he pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in Oklahoma and received a five-year deferred sentence as part of that case.
Before his legal troubles, Johnson had a brief career as a professional football player. He was a running back who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999.
