As the New York Giants navigate through their quarterback situation and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, a former player is facing legal issues.
Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson is being charged in a federal dogfighting case.
Johnson made his first appearance in court last week and has been charged with "possessing 190 pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture," per a news release.
The Department of Justice announced this week that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma unsealed a grand jury indictment charging Johnson with violating the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The Northern Illinois product faces 21 counts and if he's convicted, could face the maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
"Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a 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."
The dogs were taken from the 54-year-old Johnson in October and the Department of Justice said it's believed that the number of dogs is the largest ever seized form a single person in a federal case. He was arrested on March 20 and released on bond per multiple reports.
He pleaded guilty to similar state animal fighting charges in 2004.
Johnson was a third-round selection by the Green Bay Packers in 1994 and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Giants across 62 NFL games.
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 7:26 PM.