PHOENIX — Former Arizona Cardinals running back Leshon Eugene Johnson has been convicted for his role in a large-scale dogfighting operation in Oklahoma, federal prosecutors announced.
Johnson, 54, was found guilty of six felony counts of possessing dogs for use in an animal-fighting venture. He was acquitted of 17 similar charges. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors said Johnson operated “Mal Kant Kennels” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, breeding and selling pit bull-type dogs specifically for organized dogfighting. In total, 190 dogs were seized earlier this year and are currently in U.S. Marshals custody.
Johnson’s defense argued he was solely a breeder of American pit bull terriers, but acknowledged that some dogs he bred were later used in fights.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
