Ex-NIU Hall of Famer charged in dogfighting case; nearly 200 dogs seized

Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly running a significant dogfighting operation, leading to the seizure of 190 dogs, marking the largest collection ever from one individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Johnson, based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is charged with possessing "pit bull-type" dogs for use in animal fighting and for selling, transporting, and delivering dogs for the same purpose.

The dogs were confiscated from Johnson in October 2024, revealing his operation dubbed "Mal Kant Kennels," which was reportedly conducted in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned animal abuse, emphasizing the legal system's commitment to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent to protect vulnerable animals.

Johnson has a history with animal fighting, having previously pleaded guilty to similar state charges in 2004 in Oklahoma, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence. His actions involved breeding dogs that had fought numerous times and selling their offspring and breeding rights to other dogfighters, contributing to the dogfighting industry’s expansion and his own financial gain.

If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum of five years in prison for each count and up to a $250,000 fine. The FBI's involvement underscores a broader concern about animal cruelty, linking it to organized crime and other violent offenses. FBI Director Kash Patel expressed the agency's commitment to addressing such crimes and protecting innocent animals.

Besides his legal troubles, Johnson was celebrated for his athletic achievements, having been inducted into the Northern Illinois University Hall of Fame in 2003. He played as a running back in the NFL for teams including the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999.