A former Giants running back has been indicted by a federal grand jury after allegedly breeding dogs to be used in dog fights across the country.
According to Tulsa-based News 2 Oklahoma, LeShon Johnson was arrested after the FBI searched home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and found 190 pit bulls. The seizure of the dogs was highest total the federal government has taken away from one person. The dogs were allegedly bred at his kennel business and later sold to dogfighters across the country.
Johnson was indicted on 21 federal counts related to the federal Animal Welfare Act. According to the Department of Justice, if convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge. This is not the first time Johnson has faced dogfighting charges. He was convicted in 2004 on state charges but did not serve time behind bars.
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson of the Eastern District of Oklahoma commended federal officials for stopping the alleged operation.
“Dogfighting is a cruel, bloodthirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity,” Wilson said. “I applaud the investigative work of the FBI and the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in detecting and dismantling breeding operations that only serve to propagate this deplorable conduct.”
Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1994 draft, Johnson spent five seasons in the league. After playing in only 14 games with the Packers, he joined the Arizona Cardinals. He later signed with the Giants in 1999 and played one season with the team, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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