Former NFL Star's Shocking Secret: 190 Dogs Seized in Massive Dog-Fighting Bust!

2025-03-27 06:01:38.518

Former NFL player LeShon Johnson is facing federal charges after authorities allege he ran a large-scale dog-fighting operation. The U.S. Department of Justice announced a 21-count indictment, stating that Johnson possessed nearly 200 pit bull-type dogs used in an "animal fighting venture." Federal law enforcement seized 190 dogs in October 2024 under the Animal Welfare Act. Officials from the DOJ condemned the alleged crime, with Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson calling it a disruption of a major source of dogs for dog fighting. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the alleged animal abuse as "cruel" and "depraved." FBI Director Kash Patel referred to dog fighting as a "twisted form of entertainment." Court documents allege Johnson operated at least two dog-fighting operations in Oklahoma through "Mal Kant Kennels," selectively breeding dogs for fighting and selling stud rights and offspring to other operations. This is not Johnson's first offense; he pleaded guilty to state charges related to animal fighting in Oklahoma in 2004. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count. Johnson played five years in the NFL, including a season with the Giants in 1999.