Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been found guilty on six felony counts tied to a large-scale dogfighting operation uncovered in Oklahoma earlier this year.
A federal jury convicted Johnson, 54, last week following a multi-day trial.
The charges include violations of the Animal Welfare Act, specifically for breeding, transporting, and selling dogs for use in fighting ventures. He now faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
The former NFL running back, once a Heisman Trophy finalist at Northern Illinois, was arrested in March after authorities raided his property and seized 190 pit bulls.
The dogs have since been placed under federal care, with the U.S. Marshals Service managing their welfare.
LeShon Jackson in largest dogfighting case ever
Court evidence revealed that Johnson operated under the name “Mal Kant Kennels,” breeding and selling what he called “champion” and “grand champion” dogs for the purpose of organized fighting.
Officials called it the largest dogfighting seizure ever tied to a single person in a federal case.
“This criminal profited off the misery of innocent animals,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “He will face severe consequences for his vile crimes.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the case. “The FBI will not stand for those who perpetrate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” he said. “Those who continue to engage in organized animal cruelty will face justice.”
Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson added that the conviction “sends a strong message” to anyone still profiting from abuse.
Johnson’s activities reportedly date back to 2004. That same year, he received a state-level conviction for similar offences. This federal case marks the first time he has faced prison time.
From NFL running back to federal court
Johnson entered the NFL as a third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
He later played for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, finishing with 955 career rushing yards and five touchdowns.
His final NFL snap came in 1999. He also spent time in the short-lived XFL.
LeShon Johnson now joins the list of athletes linked to dogfighting, following his conviction in a federal case.
This case carries echoes of Michael Vick’s 2007 conviction, which brought national attention to the issue of dogfighting.
Like Vick, Johnson saw a promising football career shadowed by illegal activity long after he left the field.
Sentencing is still to come. Johnson has surrendered all 190 dogs to federal authorities.
READ NEXT: THE BIGGEST ON-FIELD NFL SCANDALS IN HISTORY: PATRIOTS DOMINATE, BOUNTYGATE IN AT NO.3
