Former NFL running back LeShon Eugene Johnson has been indicted in what federal authorities are calling the largest dog-fighting bust in U.S. history. Johnson, 54, from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, made his first court appearance on March 19, 2025, following a raid on October 17, 2024, that resulted in the seizure of 190 "pit bull-type dogs" from his properties. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the indictment, which includes 20 counts of possession of a dog for use in an animal fighting venture and one count of selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for such purposes.
Johnson allegedly operated a large-scale breeding and trafficking operation known as "Mal Kant Kennels" in both Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. This operation reportedly involved breeding "champion" and "grand champion" fighting dogs, which are defined as dogs that have won three to five fights, respectively. Court documents indicate that he was breeding dogs with specific traits desired by dog fighters, such as gameness and endurance, and selling their offspring.
According to the indictment, the events related to Johnson's case date back to 2022, when he allegedly sold a dog named "War Pony/Dirty Mary". Other dogs mentioned include "Boot Stomper" and "Hogg", the latter of which reportedly won eight fights, an unusually high number in the dog fighting industry where many dogs suffer severe injuries or even death during matches.
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson stated, "Dog fighting is a cruel, blood-thirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity. I applaud the investigative work of the FBI and the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in detecting and dismantling breeding operations which only serve to propagate this deplorable conduct." Johnson's indictment was filed in January 2025, and he pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count and a $250,000 fine. He is currently prohibited from possessing any pit bull breeds. His upcoming jury trial is set for May 5, 2025.
Johnson's history with dog fighting is not new; he previously faced charges in 2004 for operating another dog fighting operation known as "Krazyside Kennels" and pleaded guilty in state court, receiving a five-year deferred sentence. His connection to the NFL includes being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1994, followed by stints with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants.
The case has drawn national attention, with FBI Director Kash Patel emphasizing the seriousness of animal cruelty investigations, likening them to organized crime activities such as trafficking and homicide. "The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment," Patel stated. "This is yet another push in the FBI's crackdown of violent offenders harming our most innocent."
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these sentiments, asserting, "Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment. The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm."
Animal Wellness Action, a national organization advocating for animal welfare, praised the arrest and highlighted the troubling patterns associated with dog fighting. AWA President Wayne Pacelle remarked, "Dog fighting is perhaps the most sickening form of animal cruelty. The scale of cruelty in this case is jarring to the core, and I commend the FBI and the DOJ for their hard, life-saving work." He also drew parallels to the infamous Michael Vick case, noting that despite past convictions, some individuals still engage in this brutal practice.
The investigation into Johnson's activities reportedly involved extensive surveillance and evidence gathering, including the recovery of text messages, emails, and financial records related to the sale and breeding of fighting dogs. Authorities seized the dogs from two separate properties owned by Johnson, marking a significant effort to dismantle operations that contribute to the dog fighting industry.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the effectiveness of previous legal actions against individuals involved in dog fighting and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such cruelty. Johnson's actions have sparked outrage among animal rights advocates and law enforcement alike, emphasizing the ongoing battle against animal cruelty in the United States.
With a jury trial looming, the outcome of Johnson's case could set a precedent for future prosecutions in dog fighting cases, especially given the scale of this bust and the significant number of dogs involved. The public and animal welfare organizations are closely watching to see how the legal system addresses such a pervasive issue.
