OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma — LeShon Eugene Johnson, 54, a former NFL running back was convicted by a federal jury last week of six felony counts related to operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma, the Department of Justice announced Monday .

Court records show authorities confiscated 190 pit bull–type dogs from Johnson’s kennel, touted as the largest seizure of its kind from a single person in federal history, the DOJ said. The dogs are now in government custody, and prosecutors are seeking permanent forfeiture, meaning the 190 dogs can be rehomed or transferred to reputable rescues or shelters for adoption, depending on their behavior, health and suitability for placement.

According to the DOJ, Johnson’s operation, known as Mal Kant Kennels, bred and sold “champion” and “gra

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