Leshon Johnson, former NFL player, convicted for role in large-scale dogfighting ring
27 Oct 1996: Running back LeShon Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals moves the ball during a game against the New York Jets at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport)
A federal jury has convicted former NFL running back Leshon Eugene Johnson for his role in an animal-fighting venture in Oklahoma. Prosecutors said Johnson, of Broken Arrow, possessed dogs intended for fighting and ran breeding operations that trafficked animals across the country.
Jurors returned guilty verdicts on six counts and acquitted him on 17 others. Johnson, 54, now awaits sentencing, where each count carries a potential prison term and fine under federal law.
What penalties does Leshon Johnson face?
By the numbers:
Johnson’s case now moves to sentencing in federal court. The possible penalties are set by statute and the judge will determine the final sentence.
- Up to 5 years in prison per count.
- Up to $250,000 in fines per count.
- Six counts of conviction and 17 counts of acquittal.
- 190 dogs seized earlier this year and placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, according to prosecutors.
How prosecutors say the operation worked
The backstory:
Prosecutors alleged Johnson operated Mal Kant Kennels in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. They said he selectively bred pit bull-type dogs labeled as "champions" or "grand champions" based on winning fights.
According to the Justice Department’s account cited in court, Johnson allegedly bred dogs that had won as many as five fights and then sold "stud rights" and offspring to other dogfighters across the U.S.
Johnson previously pleaded guilty to state animal-fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2004 and received a five-year deferred sentence, according to court documents.
Johnson played running back for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999.
What they're saying:
"The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. "Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice."
Billy Coyle, Johnson’s attorney, said his client was a breeder and not accused of fighting dogs. "He was simply a breeder of the American pit bull terrier," Coyle said. "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 said agents used heavy-handed tactics during a late-night raid, pointing guns and seizing dogs and property.
What's next:
Prosecutors announced the conviction this week following the federal trial in Oklahoma City. Formal sentencing is expected in the next couple of months, according to the announcement.
A presentence investigation will proceed before the judge sets Johnson’s punishment. The court will consider federal guidelines, the statutory maximums on each count, and the evidence presented at trial.
The Source: This report is based on an Associated Press dispatch describing the federal jury verdict, prosecutors’ allegations, and case history. AP’s report included direct quotes from FBI Director Kash Patel and defense attorney Billy Coyle, as well as details on the seizure of dogs and Johnson’s prior state case. Additional information on Johnson’s NFL career and kennel operations came from the same AP reporting and court records referenced therein.