A Tulsa man, Julius Deane Griffin, aged 43, faces charges related to operating an illegal dog fighting camp, following a criminal complaint. Authorities have confiscated 17 dogs from Griffin's residence.
Griffin's charges comprise 23 counts of illegal dog fighting, including illegal possession, training, transport, delivery, sale, and receipt of dogs intended for animal fighting ventures. Additionally, he faces charges for 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.
In response to these charges, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson remarked, "The allegations against Griffin are disturbing. 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."
Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas commented, "HSI will go to no end to pursue criminals who inflict harm and exploit innocent animals for their deviant entertainment and financial gain. 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."
Documents from the court reveal that the Creek County Sheriff’s Office initiated this investigation in 2024. A search warrant was carried out at Griffin’s home on April 21, 2025, by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General.
Seventeen live pit bull-type dogs, additional fighting dogs, and one deceased pit bull-type dog were recovered by law enforcement. The animals rescued were entrusted to external caregivers. Some of the dogs displayed missing and damaged body parts, visible scars, and open wounds indicative of dog fighting. The deceased dog showed similar signs and had recently died.
Recovered items from Griffin's property included ammunition, gun magazines, over $16,000 in cash, over 20 cellphones and electronic devices, trophies from dog fighting, dog treadmills, kennels, digital scales for weighing dogs, dog food, Narcan, injectable steroids, syringes, and dog medications. Other items found included clothing promoting the illegal kennel's brand, over 700 grams of mushrooms, and a planner or drug ledger.
Officials noted that Griffin used social media for advertising his illicit dog-fighting operation, displaying communication, pictures, and videos related to controlled substances, firearms, domestic abuse, and dog fighting. Videos revealed a child encouraging the dog fights.
Griffin's discussions with others highlighted gruesome injuries and killings of dogs. He also talked about merchandise aligning with gang affiliation. Conversations with a "dog fighting commentator" provided graphic descriptions of the violent matches Griffin participated in.
Court records indicate Griffin's previous conviction in 2005 for a similar dog fighting ring involving more than 40 dogs. A domestic assault and battery conviction was recorded in 2009.
The case is under investigation by HSI, the USMS, the USDA-OIG, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting.
The U.S. Marshal Service National Seized Animal Program, the City of Tulsa Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Tulsa are aiding in the dogs' medical treatment and rehabilitation.
A criminal complaint solely represents an allegation, and the defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.