In a case dating back to October 2024, former Green Bay Packers running back Leshon Johnson has been charged for operating a dogfighting ring involving 190 dogs, reportedly a record number of animals seized from a single-person operation. The Department of Justice released the indictment following Johnson’s court appearance last week, which took place in Oklahoma where Johnson, 54, lives as a resident of Broken Arrow. He faces up to five years behind bars and a $250,000 fine for each of the 21 counts he is being charged with.
FBI Crackdown Leads to Leshon Johnson’s Arrest and Indictment
The DOJ formally charged Johnson under the federal Animal Welfare Act “with possessing 190 pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture.”
Johnson was arrested March 20, per ESPN and other sources, but obtained release on bail. The ex-third round pick has a history of animal abuse. ESPN notes that Johnson “pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in 2004.” His most recent crime is a federal case.
Some may view five years as a relatively light punishment for subjecting nearly 200 animals, in addition to others who have passed through Johnson’s hands, to horrific abuse. But he should at least have a decent shot at landing this maximum penalty.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued the following statement: “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.”
Johnson drew a slew of condemnations from parties involved in the case, including FBI director Kash Patel.
“The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment,” said Patel. “The FBI views animal cruelty investigations as a precursor to larger, organized crime efforts, similar to trafficking and homicides. This is yet another push in the FBI’s crackdown of violent offenders harming our most innocent.”
Attorney Christopher J. Wilson characterized dogfighting as a “cruel, bloodthirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity,” an example of “deplorable conduct.”
Tackling Green Bay Packers Bust a Big Win Against Regional Dogfighting Operations
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Johnson did not last long in Green Bay after being drafted in 1994, totaling 28 carries in less than two seasons before ending up in Arizona midway through the 1995 campaign. In his six-year career, Johnson carried 253 times for 955 yards and 5 touchdowns. He caught 43 passes for 434 yards and 2 scores. Most of his production came in 1996 with the Cardinals (634 yards rushing).
According to the DOJ release, Johnson’s post-NFL dogfighting operations involved breeding enterprises to produce dogs best suited for fighting. He operated a pair of enterprises in Oklahoma under the names of “Mal Kant Kennels” and “Krazyside Kennels.”
The release states that Johnson’s “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.”
Assistant AG Adam Gustafson (of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division) noted that shutting down Johnson “disrupts a major source of dogs used in other dog fighting ventures.” When Johnson will be sentenced is unclear, as the case remains under investigation. The release did not indicate the fate of the rescued dogs.
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