MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Federal prosecutors have landed a hard-hitting blow against animal abuse with the conviction of Leshon Eugene Johnson, 54, a former NFL player from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Last week, a jury found Johnson guilty on six felony counts for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals for fighting ventures.
Following his conviction, Johnson turned over 190 dogs to the government, which is seeking their forfeiture. The United States Marshals Service is responsible for the care of these dogs through its asset forfeiture program. ‘This criminal profited off the misery of innocent animals,’ said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. ‘He will face severe consequences for his vile crimes.’
The FBI’s Director, Kash Patel, added, ‘The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting. Thanks to our law enforcement partners, justice has been served.’ Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting animals: ‘190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaboration by our attorneys and law enforcement components.’
The case against Johnson originated from an indictment unsealed in March, detailing his operation of ‘Mal Kant Kennels.’ Authorities seized the largest number of dogs ever from a single individual in a federal dog fighting case. Johnson had previously been convicted of dog fighting in 2004. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each count.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Shreveport Resident Agency. Sarah M. Brown, Ethan Eddy, and Todd W. Gleason from ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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