Disgraced ex-NFL star LeShon Johnson found guilty in FBI's largest dog-fighting bust ever
An Oklahoma federal jury found Johnson, 54, guilty of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fights, according to TMZ.
The conviction stems from Johnson's arrest in March following a huge raid that led to the recovery of 190 pit bulls.
The FBI believe it was the largest seizure of fighting dogs from a single individual in US history.
Johnson, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants over the course of his six-year career, was accused of running a large-scale breeding and trafficking operation known as 'Mal Kant Kennels' while also raising fighting dogs himself.
Following last week's guilty verdict, Johnson was forced to surrender his dogs to the government, which will be cared for by the United States Marshals Service.
'This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,' said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
'This case underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to protecting animals from abuse -- 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.'
Johnson faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The Oklahoma native allegedly trained 'champion' and 'grand champion' pit bulls before selling breeding rights around the country.
Back in 2004, he pleaded guilty to similar charges at state level after operating the 'Krazyside Kennels', which earned him a five-year deferred sentence.
This time around, Johnson allegedly raised champion fighting dogs with names such as 'War Pony', 'Boot Stomper' and 'Hogg' - the latter of which reportedly won eight fights.
According to prosecutors, that is an unusually high number of victories given dogs often suffer fatal injuries during fights.
To become a 'grand champion' a dog needs to win five times, while 'champion' status is given after three.
Court records show that Johnson was indicted in January, three months after the dogs were seized from his property under the Animal Welfare Act, per Fox News.
Evidence was allegedly recovered from his mobile phone, before authorities seized dogs at two separate properties belonging to the ex-NFL player.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
What to know about the killings of 4 Tennessee family members of an abandoned baby
A man accused of killing four family members of a baby girl that he left unharmed in a western Tennessee front yard miles from the crime scene last week was captured on Tuesday. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, was taken into custody after a search that put a community along the Mississippi River on edge and amid several unanswered questions surrounding the July 29 quadruple homicide in Tiptonville. Here's a closer look at what we know and don't know about the investigation: How did officials connect the killings with the baby? The investigation into the family's killings in Tiptonville began after an infant in a car seat was found in a front yard in the Tigrett area, roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers) away. The Dyer County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that a caller reported that a minivan or midsize SUV had dropped the baby at a 'random individual's front yard.' The sheriff's office later said they were working with investigators in neighboring Lake County, where four people had been found dead. Officials determined those people were the child's parents, grandmother and uncle. Why was the baby found so far from the crime scene? That is not clear. Detectives believe Drummond drove the baby about 40 miles from Tiptonville, where they say he fatally shot the four adults, to the town of Tigrett, where the baby girl was left in a front yard. They haven't said publicly why Drummond chose that house. Dyer and Lake counties District Attorney Danny Goodman declined in an interview with The Associated Press to elaborate on what detectives know about this aspect of the case. He said only that the baby girl is safe now and in the custody of other relatives. What was the motive? Investigators have not revealed why they think Drummond carried out the killings. Goodman said Drummond knew the four people he's charged with killing and that Drummond's girlfriend is the sister of the child's grandmother, but it's unknown if he has any connection to the baby. The victims were found fatally shot in a wooded area near Reelfoot Lake, a swamplike body of water near the Mississippi River and not far from the Missouri border. Did the suspect act alone? Police say Drummond had help in the killings, but haven't elaborated further. Tennessee authorities charged Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Investigators allege both men 'assisted' Drummond, 28, in the killings. Dearrah Sanders of Jackson, Tennessee, was also charged with being an accessory after the killings. Did Drummond have a criminal background? Yes, an extensive one. According to court records, Drummond spent years in prison for robbing a convenience store as a 16-year-old and threatening to go after jurors. He was tried as an adult for the July 2013 robbery in Jackson, Tennessee. During the robbery, he pointed a pistol at the gas station store worker and ordered the cash register to be opened, taking the $44 inside, court records show. At a 2020 parole hearing, Drummond said he was on Xanax the night of the robbery and doesn't remember robbing the gas station. He said the firearm was a BB gun. After the jury convicted him of one count of aggravated robbery in August 2014, he made threats to go after jurors, Drummond said during the hearing. He pleaded guilty in February 2015 to 13 counts of retaliation for past action and was given a combined 13-year sentence. His sentence ended in September 2024, according to Tennessee Department of Correction records. As of the 2020 parole hearing, Drummond had more than two dozen disciplinary issues in prison, including possession of a deadly weapon, assault, refusing a drug test and gang activity. Drummond was charged for several activities inside the prison, including attempted murder, after he completed the sentence that originally put him behind bars, Goodman said at a news conference. Drummond was out on bond on the other charges at the time of the killings, Goodman said. What happens next? Drummond is expected in court in Tiptonville for an arraignment later this week. He faces four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and weapons offenses, officials have said. Goodman said he's yet to decide whether to seek the death penalty, but said 'it is very likely' he'll pursue it. An attorney who represented Drummond in his case as a teenager did not return an earlier message requesting a comment. A telephone listing for Drummond could not be found, and an automated message from the local public defender's office said to call back later.
Reuters
20 minutes ago
- Reuters
Micah Parsons Next Team Odds: Cowboys' bitter rival in play?
August 5 - With the Dallas Cowboys embroiled in yet another dramatic contract stalemate with one of their stars, intriguing potential destinations have emerged should pass-rusher Micah Parsons be traded. Despite his recent trade request, most observers believe that Parsons will ultimately reach an agreement on the long-term contract he is seeking. That would be a similar course to that taken by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in recent years. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made the waters a bit choppier with comments over the weekend, including wanting to work directly with Parsons on a new deal. Should the sides not be able to reach a long-term agreement, DraftKings is offering odds on all 31 potential NFL destinations for Parsons, who has 52.5 career sacks and is still only 26 years old. The shortest odds for a trading partner belong to Philadelphia and New England at +1000. It's almost inconceivable that Dallas would deal Parsons to a bitter division rival and send the reigning Super Bowl champions an elite pass rusher in his prime. But the Eagles waited for the New York Giants to muck things up with running back Saquon Barkley before luring him away last offseason. It remains a significant longshot for Philadelphia to pull off a similar coup with Parsons. He is scheduled to earn $24 million this season on his fifth-year option, and Dallas can conceivably lock him up through the 2028 season with franchise tags. If the relationship really sours further and Jones becomes open to trading Parsons, the Patriots make a lot more sense. Not only is New England in the AFC, but the Patriots are viewed as a team on the rise whose contender status would receive a major boost with the addition of a premier pass rusher. Following New England in the Parsons market is another AFC team in the Los Angeles Chargers at +1500. Another borderline contender, the Chargers were led last year by linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu's 8.5 sacks. No one else registered more than 6.0 and the pass rush received no major upgrades via free agency or the draft. The next shortest odds belong Arizona and San Francisco at +1600, followed by their NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams at +1800. It's still remains likely that Parsons' saga with the Cowboys results in a long-term agreement. He is -300 to remain in Dallas and was seen at the facility on Monday with his practice jersey back on. He did declare on social media Friday that "I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys," which stoked the fire and led to oddsmakers creating "Next Team" markets. The sides are reportedly still far apart in numbers, and Parsons' lengthy post Friday on X clearly communicated his frustration. "Yes I wanted to be here. I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboys and wear the star on my helmet," Parsons wrote. .".. Unfortunately I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present. I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization our fans and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me." Parsons said his attempts to discuss an extension started after the 2023 season but have repeatedly been met by "radio silence" from the Cowboys. "Up to today the team has not had a single conversation with my agent about a contract," Parsons wrote. "Not one demand has been made by my agent about money, years or anything else. "Still I stayed quiet but again after repeated shots at myself and all the narratives I have made a tough decision I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys. My trade request has been submitted to Stephen Jones personally." The 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has recorded double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons and has watched the market for pass rushers explode. Defensive end Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns. Maxx Crosby inked a three-year, $106.5 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders. T.J. Watt's extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers was for three years and $123 million. A Parsons extension likely would be in the same ballpark -- or more. The Dallas Morning News reported in March that Parsons was seeking a record-setting $200 million contract extension that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Parsons recorded 12 sacks, 43 tackles and two forced fumbles in 13 games (all starts) last season. A Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons in the league, Parsons has totaled 256 tackles (63 for loss), 112 quarterback hits, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 63 career games (all starts). --Field Level Media
Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
A-List star's generous gesture of support to woman beaten up in Cincinnati street brawl
Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen has made a generous gesture of support to a woman who was severely beaten following a street brawl in Cincinnati. The victim, known only as Holly, was attacked in the downtown area of the southern Ohio city alongside an unidentified man. The shocking July 26 attack, which was captured on camera, left the single mother severely bruised and suffering from a 'very bad' brain trauma. Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson launched a crowdfunding campaign to help support Holly with the 'mounting medical and legal bills' she is now facing after the brutal attack. Sheen, whose parents are Ohio natives, made a $1,000 donation to the campaign, vowing the attack 'will NOT be tolerated by the "true" Ohioans' and that 'justice will reign supreme'. The actor, 59, encouraged Holly to 'heal well' and reminded her that 'we are all rooting for you'. Johnson thanked Sheen and the 'thousands' of others who have 'stood with Holly'. As of Tuesday, the campaign has raised more than $493,000. The FBI on Monday arrested a fifth suspect in the now-viral violent beatdown. Police are still searching for a sixth suspect. Sheen donated to Holly's GiveSendGo campaign anonymously, but fans were quick to identify the actor as the generous giver. Not only did his sign his message 'CS', but Sheen left little clues to his identity riddled throughout the post Sheen donated to Holly's GiveSendGo campaign anonymously, but fans were quick to identify the actor as the generous giver. Not only did his sign his message 'CS', but Sheen left little clues to his identity riddled throughout the post. 'Hi Holly. Both of my parents are from Ohio. I'm a lifelong Reds fan and I also played for the Indians in a film years ago,' he wrote, referencing his role in Major League. Sheen portrayed rookie Cleveland Indians pitcher Ricky 'Wild Thing' Vaughn in the beloved 1989 sports comedy film. 'My Ohio connections run deep and what happened to you will NOT be tolerated by the "true" Ohioans (like yourself), as justice will reign supreme,' the actor continued. 'Heal well young lady, and know that we are all rooting for you!' Johnson shared a screenshot of Sheen's heartfelt message with his 3.8million X followers and thanked the star, as well as the countless others who donated to Holly's campaign, for 'saving a life'. Sheen replied to Johnson's post, praising the commentator for his 'stunning and compassionate' donation plan. 'Benny! I was merely following your gracious lead!' Sheen tweeted. 'The speed at which you and Sen Moreno hatched the donation plan, was stunning and compassionate and as patriotic as it gets. You both reminded all of us of the America we remain proud to call - home. He added: 'Keep up the great work, and to Holly, "we" have your six. xox. CS' Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson publicly praised Sheen's generous donation online, prompting a thoughtful reply from the actor Holly is a single, working-class mother and is out of work due to her injuries, the crowdfunder states. She is suffering from a severe concussion as well as hemorrhaging, with the money raised going to help her medical and legal bills. Images emerged last week of her extensive injuries, revealing that both sides of her face were extremely bruised following the assault. Her bottom lip was also cut open slightly, with dark bruises seen around her neck and upper torso. Holly is also living in an undisclosed location due to threats on her life. She spoke out for the first time since the attack last week, sharing an emotional video message that was posted to Johnson's X account. 'I want to say thank you to everyone for all of the love and support,' Holly shared. 'It's definitely what's keeping me going. And you have just brought back faith in humanity. 'It's been very, very hard, and I'm still recovering. I still have a very bad brain trauma. God bless you all. Thank you.' Investigators in Georgia on Monday arrested a fifth suspect in connection to the assault, Fox News reports. Patrick Rosemond, 38, was taken into custody by the FBI and the Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offender's Task Force in Fulton County, Georgia - more than 450 miles south of Cincinnati. Rosemond has been charged with two counts of felonious assault and aggravated riot, as well as one count of fugitive from justice for a fingerprintable charge. He is being held in Fulton County Jail until he is extradited back to Ohio. Officials say Rosemond lives in Cincinnati. It is unclear why he fled to Georgia as he does not appear to have any registered addresses in the state. Rosemond's arrest comes just days after police arrested Jermaine Matthews, Montianez Merriweather, DeKyra Vernon and Dominique Kittle for their alleged roles in the brawl. Kittle, 37, was taken into police custody on Friday night and was charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot, his bond was set at $150,000. He appeared in court on Saturday where his lawyer told the judge that he suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, according to WLWT. Matthews, 39, Merriweather, 34, and Vernon, 24, were taken into custody earlier last week after the ordeal, which JD Vance waded in on. Matthew and Merriweather were initially charged with aggravated riot and assault over the brawl. Matthews, however, was hit with three more charges on Thursday - two felonious assault and one misdemeanor assault charge. It is alleged that Merriweather was the 'catalyst' for what detectives have described as a 'coordinated attack'. New footage has also emerged showing the moments leading up to the attack, with one of the men who police said was a victim using racial slurs. The video, obtained by The Enquirer, shows the unknown individual say: 'Get him! Get that little n*****.' Two black men appeared to try and talk to the man to calm him down before the brawl starts. Matthews' attorney Brandon Fox released the video. Merriweather's family have also claimed that he was called racial slurs and spat on in the lead up to the fight. Fox said: 'It was not a Black, racist mob attacking people. These were separate fights that were triggered by racial slurs that ultimately poured gasoline on the fire.' The melee prompted an outcry from Police Chief Theresa Theetge who admonished witnesses for failing to call 911. 'Nobody called the police,' she said Monday. 'Nobody got us there as quickly as we could get there. They waited until they saw it on social media. 'That is unacceptable to not call the police when you view this. Traffic was horrendous. People saw this, they were fighting in front of traffic.'
