Dog Fighting Operation Shutdown and Owner Detained on Twenty-Three Counts of Illegal Dog Fighting

TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was charged today by Criminal Complaint for running an illegal dog fighting camp. Law enforcement seized 17 dogs.

Julius Deane Griffin, 43, is charged with:

• Twenty-three counts of Illegal dog fighting; Illegal Possession, Training, Transport, Delivery, Sale and Receipt of Dogs Intended to be Used in an Animal Fighting Venture;
• Causing an Individual Under the Age of 16 to Attend an Animal Fighting Venture;
• Felon in Possession of Ammunition;
• Possession of Ammunition After a Misdemeanor Conviction of Domestic Violence; and
• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

“The allegations against Griffin are disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Prior to Griffin’s arrest, prosecutors partnered with animal rescue agencies that specialize in treating and caring for dogs seized from illegal dog operations. I want to thank law enforcement and all the agencies that collaborated to ensure these dogs receive the medical treatment and care they deserve to have.”

“HSI will go to no end to pursue criminals who inflict harm and exploit innocent animals for their deviant entertainment and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard Homeland Security Investigations Dallas. “Our investigations into illegal dog-fighting rings are vital to public safety as these types of criminal activities are often precursors into other organized criminal activity such as drug trafficking and money laundering.”

Court documents show that the Creek County Sheriff’s Office began this investigation in 2024. On April 21, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) executed a search warrant at Griffin’s home.

Law enforcement seized 17 live pit bull-type dogs and other fighting dogs, and one deceased pit bull-type dog, among other evidentiary items. The dogs seized were placed with outside caregivers. Some of the dogs exhibited missing and damaged body parts, visible scars, and open wounds, all consistent with dog fighting. The deceased dog exhibited visible scars and open wounds, consistent with dog fighting, and was recently deceased.

Law enforcement seized several other items from Griffin’s home. Among some of the items seized were ammunition, gun magazines, more than $16,000 in cash, more than 20 cellphones and electronic devices, trophies from dog fighting, dog treadmills, kennels, digital scales to weigh the dogs, dog food, Narcan, injectable steroids, syringes, and dog medications. Law enforcement further found clothing advertising the name of the illegal kennel, more than 700 grams of mushrooms, and a planner or drug ledger.

Griffin advertised and publicized his illegal dog-fighting operation through social media. Law enforcement's review of that data shows communication, pictures, and videos related to controlled substances, firearms, domestic abuse, and dog fighting. One of the videoed dog fights revealed a child cheering on the fight.

In Griffin’s communication with others, he discusses dogs being injured, killed, “murdered,” and “dogs with their faces ripped off.” He also discusses merchandise with the illegal kennels slogan or name, which includes blue to align with gang affiliation. Conversations with a “dog fighting commentator” horrifically describe the graphic and violent fights that Griffin was involved in.

Court records show that Griffin was previously convicted in 2005 for his involvement in a separate dog fighting ring with more than 40 dogs. He was also convicted of domestic assault and battery in 2009.

HSI, the USMS, the USDA-OIG, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting it.

The U.S. Marshal Service National Seized Animal Program, the City of Tulsa Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Tulsa are assisting in the medical treatment of the dogs and their recovery.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.