Former NFL running back Leshawn Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison for organizing large-scale dogfights and human trafficking in Oklahoma, the US Department of Justice announced.
Johnson, 55, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced Thursday, Sept. 10, after pleading guilty at trial last year to six criminal charges related to violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay a fine of $30,000 (£22,203).
The former player was found guilty of possessing, selling, transporting and delivering dogs for use in animal control organizations. Prosecutors said his operation, known as Mala Canta Nurseries, has been running since at least 2007.
“LeShawn Johnson will stand trial for creating yet another particularly egregious and brutal dog fighting scheme,” Deputy Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. said in a statement. “As Johnson well knew, dog fighting is a criminal offense in all 50 states. To everyone trying to build violent and illegal business schemes: you can run, but you can’t hide from the Department of Justice.”
Authorities confiscated 190 dogs on his property
The case received significant attention after federal authorities seized 190 dogs from Johnson’s property in October 2024. The Justice Department called it the largest number of dogs ever seized from one person in a federal dogfighting case. The animals were subsequently turned over to the government and placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Johnson selectively bred pit bull-type dogs that were called “champions” and “grand champions.” Prosecutors said the tags referred to dogs that had won three or five fights, respectively.
Johnson allegedly sold puppies and rights to breed successful fighting dogs to other fighters around the country. The Justice Department said revenue from stud fees and the sale of offspring generated hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“LeShawn Johnson continued to traffic dogs for illegal fighting despite being convicted of similar conduct in 2004,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson.
Previous conviction and NFL career
Johnson’s latest conviction follows an earlier case in Oklahoma. He pleaded guilty to dogfighting in 2004 and received a five-year deferment, according to court records.
His most recent federal trial resulted in a conviction on six charges, although he was acquitted of 17 other similar charges. His lawyer, Billy Coyle IV, previously argued that Johnson was a breeder, not a person who personally fought the dogs, and pointed to the acquittals. Coyle recommended that Johnson appeal the verdict, although the final decision has not yet been confirmed.
Johnson played in the NFL from 1994 to 1999, with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants during his six-year professional career. After leaving the NFL, he continued his football career in the XFL, adding another chapter to his professional American football career.
The Justice Department said the case demonstrated its commitment to prosecuting organized animal fighting and protecting animals from cruelty. “The animals in this case were defenseless and the defendant used them to harm each other for entertainment,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp.