Ex-NFLer LeShon Johnson was convicted of six felony counts associated to his position in a federal dog-fighting bust earlier this 12 months.
A federal jury in Oklahoma discovered the previous Giants operating again responsible final week of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions towards possessing, promoting, transporting, and delivering animals for use in combating ventures, the Division of Justice introduced on Monday.
Johnson will probably be sentenced at a later date and faces a most penalty of 5 years behind bars and a tremendous of as much as $250,000 on every rely.
Authorities seized 190 canines and Johnson has surrendered them to the federal government, which is pursuing forfeiture of the animals.
“This felony profited off of the distress of harmless animals and he’ll face extreme penalties for his vile crimes,” Legal professional Basic Pamela Bondi stated in an announcement. “This case underscores the Division of Justice’s dedication to defending animals from abuse — 190 canines at the moment are secure because of excellent collaborative work by our attorneys and legislation enforcement parts.”
Johnson had been charged in March in what federal legislation enforcement dubbed the biggest seizure of canines ever in a federal case and had stated that he had almost 200 “pit bull-type canines,” which have been utilized in an “animal combating enterprise.”
Through the multi-day trial in Oklahoma, prosecutors introduced proof that Johnson had bred and trafficked canines for his operation, known as “Mal Kant Kennels,” with the intention to struggle them.
“The FBI is not going to stand for individuals who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” FBI Director Kash Patel stated in an announcement. “Due to the arduous work of our legislation enforcement companions, those that proceed to have interaction in organized animal combating and cruelty will face justice.”
Johnson spent 5 years within the NFL and was drafted by the Packers within the 1994 draft earlier than taking part in from 1995-97 with the Cardinals and taking part in the 1999 season with the Giants.
