Feds shut down alleged Tulsa dogfighting operation, seize dogs

By John Dobberstein, Editor

A Tulsa man has been charged with by federal prosecutors with running an illegal dog fighting camp, the U.S. Department of Justice said. 

Julius Deane Griffin, 43, is charged with 23 counts of illegal dogfighting; illegal possession; and training, transporting, selling and receiving dogs intended for dogfighting.

Griffin was also charged with “causing an Individual under the age 16 to attend an animal fighting venture, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing ammunition after a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do great bodily harm. 

U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma said that 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,” Johnson said. 

Court documents show the Creek County Sheriff’s Office began this investigation in 2024, and on Monday Griffin’s house was raided by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Marshals Service USDA’s Office of Inspector General.

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, including ammunition, gun magazines, more than $16,000 in cash, about 20 cell phones 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.”

Prosecutors said Griffin advertised and publicized his 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, Johnson said. 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.

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.