Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson, who wrapped up his career with the New York Giants in 1999, has been charged in connection with a federal dogfighting case. Johnson, 54, was arrested on March 20 and released on bail, as reported by various media outlets citing court documents. The reports also revealed that 190 dogs were seized from him last year.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced this week that Johnson faces charges under the federal Animal Welfare Act. Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned animal abuse as “cruel” and vowed to pursue the case vigorously to protect innocent animals. According to the Department of Justice, Johnson is accused of “possessing 190 pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting operation, and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for such purposes.
This seizure is reportedly the largest ever made in a federal case involving a single individual. Facing 21 charges, Johnson could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count if convicted.
Johnson, who had previously pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in 2004, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft after his college career at Northern Illinois. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Giants, primarily as a running back and kick returner. Over his NFL career, he appeared in 62 games, rushing for 955 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
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