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A former NFL corridor was sentenced for six serious crimes for operating a large -scale dog trafficking company after a several day trial in Oklahoma.
The Office of Public Affairs of the United States Department of Justice announced the sentence of Leshon Johnson, 54, who was convicted of violating the prohibitions of the Federal Animal Welfare Law against the possession, sale, transport and delivery of animals to be used in combat companies.
The announcement declared that Johnson, who played five seasons in the NFL with three different teams, gave the government the “190 dogs seized in this case.”
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The Lehon Johnson corridor of the Arizona cardinals runs with the ball during a 31-21 defeat against the New York jets in the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Stephen Dunn/Allsport)
“This criminal benefited from the misery of innocent animals and will face serious consequences for their vile crimes,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a statement. “This case underlines the commitment of the Justice Department to protect the animals from abuse: 190 dogs are now safe thanks to the excellent collaboration work of our lawyers and components of the application of the law.”
The director of the FBI, Kash Patel, added: “The FBI will not defend those who perpetuate the despicable crime of fighting dogs. Thanks to the hard work of our partners of the law, those who continue to participate in the organized struggle and cruelty of animals will face justice.”
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The condemnation came from an unjeled accusation in March, which entered details about Johnson’s operation in “Mal Kant Kennels.” There was evidence delivered to the Federal Jury that showed Johnson raised and trafficked with “champion” and “Grand Champion” fighting dogs.
“The authorities confiscated the 190 dogs of their property, which is the largest number ever taken advantage of by a single individual in a federal case of fighting dogs,” reads the announcement.
Johnson had a prior condemnation of the fight against dogs in the State in 2004. He declared himself guilty of the crime in 2005, where he received a five -year deferred sentence.
The Leshon Johnson #32 corridor of the Arizona cardinals carries football during the defeat of Cardinals 19-18 against the victory of Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-18 at the Houlihan Stadium ‘in Tampa, Florida. (Andy Lyons /Allsport)
Two years later, the NFL was hit with another shocking scandal of dog fights, since the star marshal of the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Vick, declared himself guilty of his participation in a combat ring and spent 21 months in prison.
Johnson now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $ 250,000 in each serious crime.
“The fight against dogs is a vicious and cruel crime that does not take place in a civilized society,” said American prosecutor Christopher J. Wilson for the east district of Oklahoma in a statement. “I praise the arduous work of our partners of application of the law by investigating this case and holding the accused for their crimes.”
Johnson, who became a star at the University of Northern Illinois, was a third round of the Green Bay Packers in the 1994 NFL draft. He did not fulfill an important role in Green Bay, who ended up spending from him in the middle of the 1995 season.
The Arizona cardinal corridor, Leshon Johnson (32) in action against the San Diego Chargers at the Jack Murphy stadium. (Red Peter Bruillet-USA Today)
Johnson joined the Arizona cardinals, where he would see most of his yardage of his career on the NFL stage. It began eight of its 15 games in 1996, running for 634 yards with three touchdowns, while caught 15 passes for 176 yards and a score.
Johnson spent another season in Arizona before joining the New York giants in 1999, where he played on a backup role. He also played at the XFL after he finished his time at the NFL.
