Field Level Media
06 Aug 2025, 06:11 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images)
Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six federal felony counts for his role in operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma, federal prosecutors announced on Monday.
The 54-year-old, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants in the 1990s, now faces up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1.5 million.
The charges stem from a years-long investigation into Johnson's operation, which authorities say was responsible for one of the largest dogfighting cases ever prosecuted in the U.S.
Federal agents seized 190 dogs from Johnson's properties in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Okla., calling it the largest seizure of its kind in a federal dogfighting case. Many of the animals were found to be injured or scarred. Investigators also uncovered equipment used to train dogs for fighting, including treadmills, bite sticks, steroids and detailed records of fights and breeding activity.
Prosecutors said Johnson operated under the name 'Mal Kant Kennels,' where he bred and sold dogs -- mostly pit bulls-- trained for fighting. Evidence presented at trial included financial records showing more than $400,000 in sales over four years, with transactions conducted via Cash App, some involving out-of-state and even international buyers.
This was not Johnson's first brush with the law over animal cruelty. He was previously convicted on state animal fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2005 but avoided prison time. Authorities believe Johnson may have been involved in dogfighting even during his NFL career, which ended in 1999.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Milwaukee Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Milwaukee Sun.
More InformationDUBLIN, Ireland: President Michael D. Higgins has issued a strong condemnation after the release of footage showing the emaciated bodies...
NEW DELHI, India: India has made it clear that it will continue purchasing crude oil from Russia despite escalating threats from U.S....
ROME, Italy: Across Europe, and sometimes even the world, a growing number of hard-right politicians, activists, and online influencers...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Night-vision goggles have come under scrutiny in the fatal midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: On August 1, President Donald Trump escalated his feud with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, urging the central...
The International Red Cross's affiliated Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting...
(Photo credit: Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images) Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six federal felony counts for his...
(Photo credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images) The National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers will have to make do without young...
(Photo credit: David Richard-Imagn Images) The Chicago White Sox announced Tuesday that left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson has been...
(Photo credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Anthony Richardson will start at quarterback for the...
(Photo credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images) Right-hander Shelby Miller moved closer to his Milwaukee Brewers debut after he departed...
(Photo credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images) The San Francisco 49ers signed Equanimeous St. Brown and released fellow wide receiver...