Former NFL Star LeShon Johnson Hit With Charges After Allegedly Running Largest Dog Fighting Ring Ever Busted By FBI

According to the Justice Department, ex-NFL running back LeShon Eugene Johnson has been hit with 21 charges in an indictment related to a gargantuan federal dog fighting bust that saw a total of 190 pit bulls recovered.

Federal officials believe the bust is the biggest number of fighting dogs seized from one person in the history of the United States.

From Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the 54-year-old Johnson is under allegations of running a huge breeding and trafficking ring branded as “Mal Kant Kennels.” Johnson, himself, is also accused of raising dogs to fight. (RELATED: Stanford Football Fires Head Coach Troy Taylor After He Allegedly Bullied Female Staffers)

Back in 2004, Johnson made a guilty plea at the state level to charges of similar nature.

“This strategic prosecution of an alleged repeat offender led to the seizure of 190 dogs destined for a cruel end,” stated acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. “It disrupts a major source of dogs used in other dog fighting ventures.”

Ex-NFL running back LeShon Johnson is facing serious prison time after being indicted in what the Department of Justice is calling the largest dog fighting bust in U.S. history.

Federal authorities hit the 54-year-old with a 21-count indictment, accusing him of running a massive… pic.twitter.com/Ld1g18QHcB

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Johnson is accused of raising “grand champion” and “champion” fighting dogs and then selling breeding rights throughout the U.S.

Hogg, War Pony and Boot Stomper are a few of the dogs‘ names, with Hogg in particular winning eight fights.

Per federal prosecutors, that number is so high that it’s unheard of, this because of fighting dogs suffering mortal injuries in combat.

A dog has to win five fights in order to become a “grand champion,” while a “champion” dog has three victories.

“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi in an official statement. “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.”