Nearly 200 dogs seized from ex-NFL player in dogfighting case

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) - Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly running a significant dogfighting operation that led to the seizure of 190 dogs, marking the largest haul recorded from one individual in a federal investigation into dogfighting, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Johnson faces charges related to possessing pit bull-type dogs for fighting and for facilitating their transport and sale.

The operation, named "Mal Kant Kennels," was reportedly based in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, where the dogs were seized in October 2024. Federal authorities have highlighted that Johnson's activities contributed to the growth of the dogfighting industry in the United States, profiting from breeding and selling dogs that had won multiple fights.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of animal abuse, stating that it is a cruel act that merits harsh consequences. The Justice Department is committed to pursuing this case rigorously to protect vulnerable animals from mistreatment. Johnson's history of animal fighting stretches back to 2004 when he pleaded guilty to similar state charges and was given a five-year deferred sentence.

Johnson's lawyer, Courtney R. Jordan, has chosen not to comment on the ongoing case. If convicted, Johnson could face up to five years in prison for each charge along with potential fines reaching $250,000.

FBI Director Kash Patel remarked on the importance of animal cruelty investigations, linking them to broader patterns of organized crime. He underscored the FBI's continued efforts to tackle violent offenses that target innocent animals, reinforcing their commitment to ending such forms of exploitation. Johnson, who was a running back in the NFL from 1994 to 1999, played for teams including the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants.