A federal jury in Muskogee, Oklahoma has convicted Leshon Eugene Johnson, a former NFL player from Broken Arrow, on six felony counts related to dog fighting. The charges stem from violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, including possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals for use in fighting ventures.
Following the conviction, Johnson surrendered 190 dogs that had been seized during the investigation. The United States Marshals Service is currently caring for these dogs through its asset forfeiture program while the government pursues forfeiture proceedings.
“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” said Attorney General Pamela 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.”
Director Kash Patel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation commented: “The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.”
Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) stated: “This conviction sends a strong message that those who abuse animals for entertainment and profit will face serious consequences under federal law. ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and our partners are committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who perpetuate the brutal practice of dog fighting and to disrupting this illegal and inhumane industry.”
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma added: “Dog fighting is a vicious and cruel crime that has no place in a civilized society. I commend the hard work of our law enforcement partners in investigating this case and holding the defendant accountable for his crimes.”
The indictment against Johnson was unsealed in March. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Johnson operated “Mal Kant Kennels,” where he bred and trafficked so-called “champion” fighting dogs with their offspring intended for dog fighting events. Authorities reported that 190 dogs were seized from his property—the largest number ever confiscated from an individual in a federal dog fighting case.
Johnson had previously been convicted at the state level for dog fighting in 2004. He now faces up to five years in prison per count as well as fines up to $250,000 per count when sentenced at a later date.
The FBI’s New Orleans Field Office along with its Shreveport Resident Agency led the investigation into this case. Prosecution was handled by Sarah M. Brown, Ethan Eddy, and Todd W. Gleason from ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
