Former player charged after dog-fighting probe
Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been charged with racketeering and conspiracy after a 17-month investigation into dog fighting, said prosecutors in Holdenville, Okla.
Johnson, 33, was among 21 people charged Monday by Hughes County prosecutors. The charges accuse Johnson of participating in a ring that held fights between pit bull terriers and allowed gambling on the outcome of the fights.
Four of the 21 people accused also were accused of selling drugs.
Johnson played college football at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and was an All-American at Northern Illinois. His NFL career included stints with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. He also played in the XFL.
Four years ago, Johnson's neighbors complained that he was involved in dog fights. Johnson's home was raided, but he was never charged. Fourteen others were ticketed at the time for watching dog fights.
The 21 defendants will make their initial court appearance Thursday.
-- Associated Press
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