Former Packers running back indicted in federal dog fighting bust; 190 pit bulls recovered -bb

OKLAHOMA (WLUK) — A former running back for the Green Bay Packers has been indicted for allegedly operating a large-scale dog fighting and trafficking operation in which 190 dogs were seized.

Leshon Johnson, 54, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, made his initial court appearance last week, according to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Leshon Johnson photo 1

Johnson played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants during a six-year NFL career in the 1990s.

A news release says Johnson is accused of violating the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act by possessing dogs for use in an animal fighting operation and for selling, transporting and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture.

Federal funds drive tuition hikes at some colleges, study shows

190 dogs were recovered from Johnson’s ownership in October. This is believed to be the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single person in a federal dog fighting case.

Leshon Johnson photo 3

Court documents allege Johnson was running two dog fighting operations in Oklahoma. It comes after he was previously convicted on state animal fighting charges in 2004.

Johnson selectively bred “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs — dogs that have respectively won three or five fights — to produce offspring with fighting traits and abilities desired by him and others for use in dog fights. Johnson marketed and sold stud rights and offspring from winning fighting dogs to other dog fighters looking to incorporate the Mal Kant Kennels “bloodline” into their own dog fighting operations. His trafficking of fighting dogs to other dog fighters across the country contributed to the growth of the dog fighting industry and allowed Johnson to profit financially.

Johnson was indicted on 21 charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

Related Posts

Talanoa Hufanga shares a heartfelt farewell to 49ers and fans…TS.DHUNG.

All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga took to Instagram on Saturday to say goodbye to the San Francisco 49ers and their fans. The standout defender signed with the Denver Broncos in…

Why 49ers are Expected to Make Playoffs Despite Dismal Offseason…ts.dhung.

Almost everyone agrees the 49ers have had the worst offseason of any team in the NFL. And yet, most people still believe the 49ers will bounce back…

High Stakes for JJ McCarthy: Can the Rookie Overcome Injury and Meet NFL Expectations?.D

High Stakes for JJ McCarthy: Can the Rookie Overcome Injury and Meet NFL Expectations? A Rising Star with a Rocky Start JJ McCarthy entered the NFL as…

Key Celtics Player Listed on Injury Report vs Spurs -ANHTRUC.

Key Celtics Player Listed on Injury Report vs Spurs Riding a seven-game winning streak, the Boston Celtics are heading into a cross-conference road matchup against the San…

BREAKING: Celtics Could Face Fight to Keep Al Horford in Free Agency -ANHTRUC.

  Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images Al Horford, Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics are seeking a second straight NBA championship. Joe Mazzulla’s team is considered one of the favorites…

Whatever the reason is for why some Vikings fans don’t want to see Aaron Rodgers, they have to come to grips.D

Vikings Fans Must Face the Reality of Aaron Rodgers A Rivalry That Runs Deep Aaron Rodgers has been a thorn in the side of the Minnesota Vikings…