Former NFL running back, Johnson, once a promising third-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 1994, is now embroiled in a high-profile legal battle. Johnson, a one-time player for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, was seen in his first court appearance last week. He is currently under indictment on 21 counts for operating a dogfighting ring. The 54-year-old’s arrest on March 20 grabbed headlines. He was soon out, having posted bail, the reports said, citing a Washington County court record.
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and unsealed upon Johnson’s arrest. He’s currently charged with violating the federal Animal Welfare Act. Johnson is now facing some grave accusations. Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This would not be Johnson’s first run-in with the law regarding animal welfare violations. In 2004, he pled guilty to animal fighting charges at the state level.
And the Department of Justice has promised to prosecute Johnson to the fullest extent of the law. They talked about their undying devotion to saving those lovable species from nasty death and destruction. They further emphasized the egregiousness of charges brought against Johnson. In making its case, the DOJ underscored that he had the highest number of dogs ever seized in a single federal case. This extraordinary conclusion underscores the seriousness of what’s at stake.
Pamela Bondi commented on the extreme nature of the case.
“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment,” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi
The dogs were taken from Johnson last October, after a more than six-month investigation that has resulted in these new charges. The DOJ’s enforcement actions are a testament to their commitment to stamping out animal cruelty and bringing those who commit such acts to justice.
Leave a Reply