Ex-NFL running back Leshon Johnson convicted in Oklahoma dogfighting case | NFL

A former OKLAHOMA NFL player was convicted of his role in a large -scale dog -fighting operation, federal prosecutors announced.

Lohon Eugene Johnson, 54, of Broken Arrow, was found guilty of six chiefs of possession of dogs for use in an animal fight company. It was acquitted from 17 other similar charges. He risks up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $ 250,000 on each charge when he is officially sentenced to a later date.

“The FBI will not defend those who will perpetuate the despicable crime of dog fights,” said FBI director Kash Patel in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of our partners in charge of the application of laws, those who continue to engage in organized fights and cruelty will be confronted with justice.”

Prosecutors allegedly allegedly exploited Kant Kennels in Broken Arrow and Haskell, in Oklahoma, and selectively raised dog-type dogs called champions or large champions due to winning dogs. Earlier this year, the government seized 190 Johnson dogs that were under the care of the US Marshals Service.

Johnson would have raised dogs that had won up to five fights, then sold “nails” and their offspring to other dog hunters, according to the Ministry of Justice. Traffic has taken place through the United States and has helped develop the dog fighting industry, while causing Johnson to benefit financially, prosecutors said.

Johnson’s lawyer Billy Coyle said his client was a dog breeder who had never been accused of dog fighter and noted that the jury had acquired most of the leaders against him.

“He was simply an American Pit Bull Terrier breeder,” said Coyle. “Obviously, the jury found that some of his high dogs were probably or were used in dog fighting, and these were difficult to fight.”

Coyle said that federal agents also used heavy tactics, with more than 40 officers who made a descent in his house late at night, pointing firearms on Johnson and his wife and striking her dogs and property.

Johnson had previously pleaded guilty to charges of animal control in 2004 in Oklahoma. He was sentenced to a deferred sentence of five years, according to court documents.

Johnson was a ball carrier who played for Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999.