OKLAHOMA CITY – A former Oklahoma NFL player has been found guilty for his involvement in a large-scale dogfighting operation, federal prosecutors announced. Leshon Eugene Johnson, 54 years old and a resident of Broken Arrow, was convicted of six counts of possession of dogs for use in an animal fighting venture. He was acquitted of 17 other similar charges. He faces a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count when formally sentenced at a later date.
Johnson played as a running back for the Green Bay Packers, the Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants between 1994 and 1999. Prosecutors alleged that Johnson operated Mal Kant Kennels in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, and selectively bred pit bull-type dogs known as champions or grand champions due to their wins in dogfights. Earlier this year, the government seized 190 dogs from Johnson that have been under the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. According to the Department of Justice, Johnson allegedly bred dogs that had won up to five fights and then sold “stud rights” and their offspring to other dog fighters. The trafficking took place throughout the United States and helped grow the dogfighting industry, resulting in Johnson obtaining financial gains, prosecutors alleged. Johnson’s lawyer, Billy Coyle, said his client was a dog breeder who was never accused of dog fighting and noted that the jury acquitted Johnson of most of the charges against him.The FBI will not tolerate those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to participate in organized fights and animal cruelty will face justice.
FBI Director, Kash Patel
Coyle said federal agents also used forceful tactics, with more than 40 agents raiding his home late at night, pointing guns at Johnson and his wife and confiscating their dogs and property. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to state charges of animal fighting in 2004 in Oklahoma. He was given a five-year deferred sentence, according to court documents.He was simply a breeder of the American pit bull terrier. Obviously, the jury found that some of his bred dogs were likely used in dogfights, and those were difficult charges to fight.
Billy Coyle, Johnson’s lawyer
