A former NFL player has been charged in a federal dogfighting case, with authorities announcing this week that he faces multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. The Department of Justice revealed that 190 dogs were seized from the individual in question last year. According to court records, the suspect was arrested on March 20 and later released on bail.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the actions, stating, “Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment. The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm.”
The charges include possessing 190 pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture, and for selling, transporting, and delivering dogs for the same purpose. The Department of Justice believes this may be the largest number of dogs ever seized from an individual in a federal case. The defendant faces 21 counts and could receive a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
The accused individual is LeShon Johnson, a former NFL running back who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants during his career. Johnson, 54, had previously pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in 2004. He was a third-round draft pick in the 1994 NFL Draft and finished his career with the Giants in 1999, appearing in 62 games with 955 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
