Oklahoma man faces federal charges for large-scale dog fighting operation: 'Largest number of dogs ever seized'

An Oklahoma man has been charged in federal court for operating a "large-scale" dog fighting and trafficking operation in Broken Arrow.

The DOJ said Leshon Eugene Johnson appeared in court last week and was charged with possession of 190 pit bull dogs used for "animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture."

News On 6 was at the home near E. 41st St. S. and County Line Road in October 2024 as authorities searched the home and recovered dozens of dogs.

Previous Story 10/17/2024: Neighbors Concerned After FBI, U.S. Marshals Swarm Broken Arrow Home, Seizing Dogs, Searching House

Authorities said this is believed to be the largest number of dogs taken from a single person in a federal dog-fighting case.

“The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “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.”

Court documents show that Johnson ran a dog fighting operation in Broken Arrow and Haskell known as "Mal Kant Kennels." In 2004, he pled guilty to animal fighting charges for operating the "Krazyside Kennels."

The DOJ said his trafficking of these fighting dogs across the country contributed to the growth of the industry and allowed Johnson to profit.

If convicted, Johnson is facing a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI’s Shreveport Resident Agency office is investigating the case.