Former NFL running back Leshon Johnson, 54, has been convicted of six felony counts of possessing dogs for use in an animal-fighting venture, federal prosecutors announced. The charges stem from a large-scale dogfighting operation in Oklahoma.
Johnson, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999, was acquitted of 17 other similar counts. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count at sentencing.
Prosecutors alleged that Johnson operated Mal Kant Kennels in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, where he bred pit bull-type dogs known as champions or grand champions for winning dog fights. The government seized 190 dogs from Johnson, which are now in US Marshals Service custody.
Johnson allegedly sold “stud rights” and offspring to other dogfighters across the US, profiting financially and helping to grow the dogfighting industry. His attorney, Billy Coyle, argued that Johnson was merely a breeder and was never accused of fighting dogs, noting the jury acquitted him on most counts.
Coyle also criticised federal agents for using heavy-handed tactics during a raid on Johnson's home. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in 2004 and received a deferred sentence.
