Sign: Ex-NFL Player Charged in Massive Dog-Fighting Case—190 Dogs Seized

Published: April 02, 2025 at 10:02 PM Author: Penny Eims

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – Leshon Eugene Johnson, a former NFL running back, has been charged in a large-scale dog-fighting operation in Oklahoma. According to a March 25 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, 190 “pit bull type” dogs were seized from Johnson in October 2024. The federal agency commented on the size of Johnson’s cruel operation:

This is believed to be the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single person in a federal dog-fighting case.

Johnson was a running back who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants from 1994-1999. Although Johnson played for six seasons in the NFL, he turned his back on his honorable profession to embark in the dark, sadistic world of dog fighting, not once, but twice. In 2004, he pleaded guilty to dog-fighting-related charges at the state level for his involvement with Krazyside Kennels; he received a five-year deferred sentence for the 2004 charges.

The paltry sentence did little to deter Johnson from deciding to cruelly exploit dogs again, in an even larger operation. According to the Justice Department, Johnson “marketed and sold stud rights and offspring from winning fighting dogs to other dog fighters looking to incorporate the Mal Kant Kennels’ “bloodline” into their dog fighting operations. His trafficking of fighting dogs to other dog fighters across the country contributed to the growth of the dog fighting industry and allowed Johnson to profit financially.”

Leshon Johnson bred dogs to fight, maim, and die. The dogs born into dog fighting life never stood a chance – they were thrown into pits to rip one another apart while depraved humans cheered them on.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma commented on the most recent bust:

“Dog fighting is a cruel, bloodthirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity. I applaud the investigative work of the FBI and the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in detecting and dismantling breeding operations that only serve to propagate this deplorable conduct.”

Dog fighting has no place in our society. If you are disgusted and horrified by the cruel exploitation of these innocent dogs, who are bred into a life of abhorrent violence, please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory put this man away for as long as legally possible!

Target: Trial Attorney Sarah Brown and Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Leshon Eugene Johnson be given the maximum sentencing for the charges stemming from his massive dog-fighting operation. This greedy, depraved man has shown his blatant disregard for the law and his indifference to the pain and suffering he inflicted, and we demand that he be held accountable for his actions. We and our supporters insist that Leshon Johnson be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for the 21-count federal indictment associated with the 2024 dog-fighting raid. 

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for the innocent dogs he forced into violence but also endangers the community at large. It is imperative that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: Johnson made his first court appearance last week. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. Animal Victory is unaware of the fate of the 190 dogs seized from Johnson.

Update 11/11/2025: On 08/13/2025, Defendant Leshon Eugene Johnson filed for a new trial. On October 2, 2025, his request was denied. A date for sentencing has not, as of yet, been filed.

Update 9/6/2025: Leshon Eugene Johnson was found guilty by jury verdict on August 1, 2025. He was found guilty on Counts 1, 2, 20, 21, 22, and 23; and not guilty on Counts 3 through 19 (KCH, Deputy Clerk). On August 4, 2025, Attorney Courtney R. Jordan was withdrawn from the case, followed by Attorney Sarah Brown’s withdrawal as defense attorney for Leshon Eugene Johnson on August 28, 2025. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

Update 8/5/2025: Jury trial was held on 08/01/2025, and Leshon Eugene Johnson was found “Guilty” on Counts 1, 2, 20, 21, 22, and 23. He was found “Not Guilty” on Counts 3 through 19. The verdict form is attached.

Sentencing for Leshon Eugene Johnson has not yet been scheduled.

Update 5/28/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to the DA and the Judge. 

Update 5/5/2025: USA v. Johnson. New schedule for pre-trial conference and jury trial. Pretrial Conference Due/Set: 06/30/2025 at 08:30 AM, Jury Trial: Jury Trial Due/Set: 07/28/2025 at 08:45 AM

Case #6:25-CR-00012-JFH Leshon Eugene Johnson. Pretrial Conference set for 4/10/2025 at 9:30 AM in Courtroom 1, Room 230, US Courthouse, 5th & Okmulgee, Muskogee, OK, before District Judge John F. Heil III. Jury Instructions, Voir Dire, Trial Briefs, and Stipulations due by 4/25/2025. Witness and Exhibit Lists, and three hard-copy exhibit binders, due by 5/1/2025 at 4:00 PM. Jury Trial set for 5/5/2025 at 8:45 AM in Courtroom 1, Room 230, US Courthouse, 5th & Okmulgee, Muskogee, OK, before District Judge John F. Heil III, as to Leshon Eugene Johnson. 

News:

Justice Department Press Release

People

KOKO

Associated Press

NBC Sports