Mar 27, 2025, 11:56 AM ET
Former NFL operating again LeShon Johnson has been charged in a federal dogfighting case after 190 canine have been seized from him closing 12 months.
The Division of Justice introduced in a information liberate this week that the U.S. District Courtroom for the Jap District of Oklahoma unsealed the grand jury indictment charging Johnson with violating the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Johnson, who made his preliminary court docket look closing week, is charged with “possessing 190 pit bull-type canine to be used in an animal preventing undertaking and for promoting, transporting, and handing over a canine to be used in an animal preventing undertaking,” in line with the inside track liberate.
He faces 21 counts. If he’s convicted, he faces a most penalty of 5 years in jail and a $250,000 fantastic on every rely.
“Animal abuse is merciless, wicked, and merits serious punishment,” Lawyer Basic Pamela Bondi stated in a remark. “The Division of Justice will prosecute this example to the fullest extent of the legislation and can stay dedicated to protective blameless animals from those that would do them hurt.”
The canine have been seized from Johnson closing October. The DOJ stated it’s believed that the collection of canine is the most important ever seized from a unmarried particular person in a federal case.
Johnson, 54, used to be arrested March 20 and used to be launched on bail, consistent with a couple of media retailers that cited court docket data.
He in the past pleaded to blame to state animal preventing fees in 2004.
Johnson’s attorney, Courtney R. Jordan, declined remark to the Related Press at the case.
Johnson used to be a third-round variety by way of the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the 1994 draft and in addition performed for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants in his NFL occupation. He performed in 62 video games, speeding for 955 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
