The former NFL, who drives Leshon Johnson back, was charged in a federal dog battle case after 190 dogs were seized from him last year.
Ministry of Justice It was announced in this week’s news release The US District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma has sealed off the charges of a large ju trial accusing Johnson of violating federal animal welfare laws.
Johnson, who appeared in the first court last week, is accused of having 190 pit bull-shaped dogs for use in animal combat ventures and for sale, transport and delivery of dogs for use in animal combat ventures, according to a news release.
He faces 21 counts. If he is convicted, he will face the biggest penalty in a five-year prison and face a $250,000 fine on each count.
“Animal abuse is cruel, it’s been dropped and deserves severe punishment,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law and protecting innocent animals from harming people.”
The dog was seized from Johnson last October. The DOJ said the number of dogs is considered to be the largest ever seized from one of the federal cases.
Johnson, 54, was arrested on March 20th and released on bail, according to multiple media outlets citing court records.
He previously pleaded guilty to animal combat in 2004.
Johnson was the third selection by the Green Bay Packers in the 1994 draft, and also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants in his NFL career. He played in 62 games and rushed for 955 yards and scored seven touchdowns.
