A federal jury in Muskogee, Oklahoma, has convicted Leshon Eugene Johnson, 54, of Broken Arrow, on six felony counts related to operating a large-scale dog fighting and trafficking operation. The charges stem from violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals for use in fighting ventures.
After the verdict was delivered last week, Johnson surrendered 190 dogs that had been seized during the investigation. The government is seeking forfeiture of these animals. The United States Marshals Service is currently responsible for their care through its asset forfeiture program.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the outcome: “This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes. This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.”
Director Kash Patel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation also addressed the conviction: “The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.”
Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) stated: “This conviction sends a strong message that those who abuse animals for entertainment and profit will face serious consequences under federal law. ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and our partners are committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who perpetuate the brutal practice of dog fighting and to disrupting this illegal and inhumane industry.”
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma added: “Dog fighting is a vicious and cruel crime that has no place in a civilized society. I commend the hard work of our law enforcement partners in investigating this case and holding the defendant accountable for his crimes.”
Johnson was indicted earlier this year after authorities uncovered his operation known as “Mal Kant Kennels.” Evidence presented at trial showed that Johnson bred and trafficked so-called “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs specifically for dog fighting purposes. The seizure of 190 dogs marks the largest number ever taken from an individual in a federal dog fighting case.
Johnson previously had a state conviction for dog fighting dating back to 2004. He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces up to five years in prison along with fines up to $250,000 per count.
The FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Shreveport Resident Agency led the investigation into Johnson’s activities. Prosecutors Sarah M. Brown, Ethan Eddy, Todd W. Gleason from ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz for the Eastern District of Oklahoma handled prosecution duties.
