Ex-NFL Running Back Gets Five-Year Prison Sentence, $30,000 Fine for Involvement in Illegal Dog Fighting

Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for operating a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking operation in Oklahoma, the US Department of Justice said.

Johnson, 55, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced on Thursday, 10 September, after being convicted at trial last year on six felony charges linked to violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $30,000 (£22,203) fine.

The former player was found guilty of charges involving the possession, sale, transport and delivery of dogs for use in animal-fighting ventures. Prosecutors said his operation, known as Mal Kant Kennels, had been running since at least 2007.

'LeShon Johnson will face justice for building another particularly egregious and violent dog fighting scheme,' Associate Attorney General Stanley E Woodward Jr said. 'As Johnson was well aware, dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states. To anyone attempting to build violent and illicit business schemes: you can run, but you can't hide from the Department of Justice.'

Authorities Seized 190 Dogs From His Property

The case drew significant attention after federal authorities seized 190 dogs from Johnson's property in October 2024. The Justice Department described it as the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single individual in a federal dogfighting case. The animals were subsequently surrendered to the government and placed under the care of the US Marshals Service.

Evidence presented at trial showed Johnson selectively bred pit bull-type dogs described as 'champions' and 'grand champions'. Prosecutors said those labels referred to dogs that had won three or five fights respectively.

Johnson allegedly marketed and sold puppies and breeding rights from successful fighting dogs to other dogfighters around the country. The Justice Department said the proceeds from stud fees and the sale of offspring generated hundreds of thousands of dollars.

'LeShon Johnson continued to traffic dogs for illegal fighting despite a 2004 state conviction for similar conduct,' said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson.

Previous Conviction And NFL Career

Johnson's latest conviction followed an earlier Oklahoma state case. He pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges in 2004 and received a five-year deferred sentence, according to court records.

His latest federal trial ended with convictions on six counts, although he was acquitted of 17 other similar charges. His lawyer, Billy Coyle IV, previously argued that Johnson was a breeder rather than someone who personally fought dogs and pointed to the acquittals. Coyle has recommended that Johnson appeal the sentence, although a final decision had not been confirmed.

Johnson played in the NFL from 1994 to 1999, appearing for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants during his six-year professional career. After leaving the NFL, he continued his football career in the XFL, adding another chapter to his time in professional American football.

The Justice Department said the case demonstrated its commitment to prosecuting organised animal fighting and protecting animals from abuse. 'The animals in this case were defenseless and the defendant used them to harm each other for his entertainment,' FBI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp said.