Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been charged in a federal dogfighting case that alleges that he violated the Animal Welfare Act. In a press release, the Department of Justice announced that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma unsealed the grand jury indictment charging Johnson for the alleged crime. Johnson, who made a court appearance earlier this month, is being charged with “possessing 190 pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture.” The 54-year-old is also accused of “selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture.” Johnson is facing 21 counts, which could result in a maximum five-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine for each count. “Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment. The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm,” said Pamela Bondi, attorney general. The dogs were seized from Johnson last October in what was the largest amount of dogs ever seized from a person in a federal case, according to the DOJ. Johnson was later arrested on March 20 before being released on bail, with his attorney, Courtney R. Jordan, declining to make a comment to the Associated Press. The former third-round pick was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1994, before going on to play in 62 games, rushing for 955 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
In January, Dane4Dogs was able to convince Dane County Judge Rhonda Lanford to appoint a special prosecutor to look into the allegations against Ridglan.
