Latest news with #LeShonJohnson
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
LeShon Johnson convicted on six counts of dog fighting in Oklahoma trial
LeShon Johnson convicted on six counts of dog fighting in Oklahoma trial (Image via Getty) LeShon Johnson, a former NFL running back who once led college football in rushing yards, is now facing serious legal trouble. On August 5, 2025, a federal jury in Oklahoma convicted the 54-year-old of six felony charges for housing dogs used in criminal dog battles. Having played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, Johnson could now face severe fines and spend years in prison. Fans who remember him as a 1990s football great have been stunned by these charges. LeShon Johnson found guilty in Oklahoma for keeping dogs used in fights The case against LeShon Johnson was brought forward in Oklahoma, where he lives. A federal jury found that he had six dogs that were bred and kept for dog-fighting activities. These were not just any charges, they are felony crimes. Each one carries a punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. That means Johnson could face as much as 30 years behind bars if given the maximum sentence. The trial showed evidence that some of the dogs had wounds and scars linked to fighting. Officials said they found equipment and dog cages on his property that are often used in dogfighting setups. Still, Johnson was cleared of 17 other similar charges. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo FBI Director Kash Patel gave a statement after the verdict, saying, 'The FBI will not stand for those who continue the despicable crime of dogfighting.' He thanked all the law enforcement partners who worked together to bring the case to court. LeShon Johnson's lawyer says he was only breeding dogs, not fighting them LeShon Johnson's attorney, Billy Coyle, told reporters and the court that Johnson was just a dog breeder. He said his client raised American Pit Bull Terriers but was not running any fighting rings. 'Obviously the jury found that some of his dogs were probably or were used in dog fighting, and those were difficult charges to fight,' Coyle said. Also Read: Travis Kelce's Final Countdown Begins After Andy Reid Picks Noah Gray To Carry Tight End Legacy This isn't the first time LeShon Johnson has been connected to dogfighting. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to a similar crime. The Green Bay Packers selected Johnson in 1994. He grabbed news in college in 1993 by running for 1,976 yards at Northern Illinois University. On the field, he was renowned for his speed and strength. But his name is back in the news years later for a far more sinister purpose. The date of sentencing has not yet been fixed. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
NBC Sports
7 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Former NFL RB LeShon Johnson is convicted on six felony dog-fighting charges
Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been found guilty of multiple dog-fighting charges. Via the Associated Press, the 54-year-old Johnson was convicted on six felony counts of possessing dogs for use in an animal-fighting venture. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the charges. He was acquitted on 17 similar counts. 'The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,' FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. 'Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.' 'He was simply a breeder of the American pit bull terrier,' Johnson's attorney, Billy Coyle, said. 'Obviously the jury found that some of his dogs bred were probably or were used in dog fighting, and those were difficult charges to fight.' Johnson previously pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges in 2005. Johnson was a third-round pick of the Packers in 1994. He also played for the Cardinals and the Giants. In 1993, he was the leading rushing in college football, with 1,976 yards at Northern Illinois.
Reuters
7 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Former NFL RB LeShon Johnson convicted in federal dogfighting case
August 6 - Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six federal felony counts for his role in operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma, federal prosecutors announced on Monday. The 54-year-old, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants in the 1990s, now faces up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1.5 million. The charges stem from a years-long investigation into Johnson's operation, which authorities say was responsible for one of the largest dogfighting cases ever prosecuted in the U.S. Federal agents seized 190 dogs from Johnson's properties in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Okla., calling it the largest seizure of its kind in a federal dogfighting case. Many of the animals were found to be injured or scarred. Investigators also uncovered equipment used to train dogs for fighting, including treadmills, bite sticks, steroids and detailed records of fights and breeding activity. Prosecutors said Johnson operated under the name "Mal Kant Kennels," where he bred and sold dogs -- mostly pit bulls-- trained for fighting. Evidence presented at trial included financial records showing more than $400,000 in sales over four years, with transactions conducted via Cash App, some involving out-of-state and even international buyers. This was not Johnson's first brush with the law over animal cruelty. He was previously convicted on state animal fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2005 but avoided prison time. Authorities believe Johnson may have been involved in dogfighting even during his NFL career, which ended in 1999. --Field Level Media
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former NFL RB LeShon Johnson convicted in federal dogfighting case
Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been convicted on six federal felony counts for his role in operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma, federal prosecutors announced on Monday. The 54-year-old, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants in the 1990s, now faces up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1.5 million. The charges stem from a years-long investigation into Johnson's operation, which authorities say was responsible for one of the largest dogfighting cases ever prosecuted in the U.S. Federal agents seized 190 dogs from Johnson's properties in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Okla., calling it the largest seizure of its kind in a federal dogfighting case. Many of the animals were found to be injured or scarred. Investigators also uncovered equipment used to train dogs for fighting, including treadmills, bite sticks, steroids and detailed records of fights and breeding activity. Prosecutors said Johnson operated under the name "Mal Kant Kennels," where he bred and sold dogs -- mostly pit bulls-- trained for fighting. Evidence presented at trial included financial records showing more than $400,000 in sales over four years, with transactions conducted via Cash App, some involving out-of-state and even international buyers. This was not Johnson's first brush with the law over animal cruelty. He was previously convicted on state animal fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2005 but avoided prison time. Authorities believe Johnson may have been involved in dogfighting even during his NFL career, which ended in 1999. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
New York Times
05-08-2025
- New York Times
LeShon Johnson, Ex-N.F.L. Player, Is Convicted in Major Dogfighting Case
A jury in Oklahoma has convicted LeShon Johnson, a former N.F.L. running back, on dogfighting charges in a sprawling federal case that the authorities said could bring a hefty prison sentence and fines. In October, federal agents seized 190 pit-bull-type dogs from Mr. Johnson, 54, of Broken Arrow, Okla., the most ever taken from a single person in a federal case, according to the Justice Department, which announced on Tuesday that a verdict had been reached in the case. After a five-day trial in U.S. District Court in Muskogee, Okla., jurors on Friday found Mr. Johnson guilty on six of the 23 counts that he had been charged with for his role in running what investigators described as a major dogfighting kennel. The jury concluded that he had violated the federal Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures. Mr. Johnson, who played for the Green Bay Packers, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants in the 1990s, could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. He remains free until his sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
