(WFRV) – In what is described as “the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single person,” a former Green Bay Packers draft pick is facing charges due to multiple violations related to dogfighting.

The United States Department of Justice reports that LeShon Eugene Johnson, who was a third-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers, had 190 pit bull-type dogs taken from him in October 2024, in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.

Authorities indicate that court documents reveal Johnson operated the dog fighting organization “Mal Kant Kennels” located in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. Additionally, he allegedly managed another dog fighting network, “Krazyside Kennels,” which resulted in a guilty plea for state animal fighting charges back in 2004.

Johnson, allegedly, selectively bred “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs to produce offspring with the fighting traits and abilities that he and others desired for use in fighting dogs.

Officials say he also marketed and sold stud rights and offspring to other dog fighters that were looking to bring the Mal Kant Kennels “bloodline” to their own dogfighting operations.

Johnson is alleged to have profited financially from his reported trafficking of the fighting dogs to other dog fighters across the country.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess, train transport deliver, sell, purchase, or receive dogs for dogfighting purposes.

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.

United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi

Johnson made an initial court appearance earlier in March and has had a grand jury indictment recently charge him with the following:

• Possessing 190 pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture
• Selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture

If convicted, officials say Johnson will face up to five years in prison per each count and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment. The FBI views animal cruelty investigations as a precursor to larger, organized crime efforts, similar to trafficking and homicides. This is yet another push in the FBI’s crackdown of violent offenders harming our most innocent.

FBI Director Kash Patel

The standout college football running back played 14 games for the Green and Gold between 1994 and 1995 tallying 97 rushing yards on 27 attempts and 168 receiving yards on 13 receptions.