Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
A Tulsa man, Julius Deane Griffin, was charged on April 24, 2025, for operating an illegal dog fighting camp. The charges include 23 counts of illegal dog fighting and related offenses. Authorities seized 17 dogs during the operation.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson remarked, "The allegations against Griffin are disturbing," and highlighted the collaboration with animal rescue agencies to ensure the seized dogs received appropriate care.
Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas emphasized the importance of investigating illegal dog-fighting rings, noting that these activities often precede other organized criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
The investigation began in 2024 under the Creek County Sheriff’s Office. On April 21, 2025, 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 residence. The operation resulted in the seizure of 17 live pit bull-type dogs and one deceased dog. Many of the animals showed signs of injuries consistent with dog fighting.
Several items were also seized from Griffin's home, including ammunition, gun magazines, cash exceeding $16,000, multiple electronic devices, and dog fighting equipment like treadmills and kennels. Evidence of illegal drugs was also found.
Griffin allegedly promoted his dog-fighting activities on social media. The content showed ties to controlled substances, firearms, and domestic violence, with some videos depicting dog fights involving minors.
Court documents reveal Griffin's prior conviction in 2005 for involvement in another dog fighting ring and a 2009 conviction for domestic assault and battery.
The joint investigation is being conducted by HSI, USMS, USDA-OIG, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department. The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris.
Support for the medical treatment and recovery of the seized dogs is being coordinated by the U.S. Marshal Service National Seized Animal Program, City of Tulsa Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Tulsa.
Griffin remains presumed innocent pending legal proceedings, as a criminal complaint stands as an allegation until proven otherwise in court.
