NIU Athletics Hall of Fame running back LeShon Johnson was convicted by a federal jury last week of six felony counts of violating the Animal Welfare Act, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a press release Monday. “This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.”

Stemming from his role in a dogfighting operation in Oklahoma, Johnson was indicted on 21 counts in January after a record-setting 190 dogs were rescued from his Oklahoma residence in October. He now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Sentencing will be held at a later date.

The conviction comes after Johnson shepherded a dogfighting ring out of Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. The ring – known as the “Mal Kant Kennels” – used dogs Johnson intentionally bred to become “champion” and “grand champion” fighting dogs, according to court documents. 

Johnson, 54, was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and is a member of NIU’s 1993 graduating class after spending two seasons with the NIU football team. Prior to his time as a Huskie, Johnson played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. 

Notably, Johnson broke NIU’s record for most rushing yards in a season with 1,976 in 1993. 

Following a standout career at NIU, Johnson was selected 84th overall in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft and began his professional career with the Green Bay Packers.

Playing five total NFL seasons, Johnson was a member of the Packers, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants.