DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – In October of 2022, Julius Holley of Detroit, broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend, stole and damaged her property, and took her Yorkshire Terrier mix dog. Holley then beat and tortured the dog, while recording himself doing so, and sent the videos to his ex-girlfriend. Ultimately, the dog was abandoned in a bucket next to a house and was taken by Michigan Humane to ensure it could not be abused again. The dog is alive today.

On Wednesday of last week, Holley pled guilty to one count of Animal Torture in the First Degree with a habitual 4th offender sentence enhancement. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office released a statement saying that the plea accompanies a sentencing agreement of 5-15 years imprisonment, reserved restitution, and a prohibition on owning or possessing any animal or contacting the human victim. Sentencing will be held on June 12th, 2023.

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The Attorney General’s office announced charges against Holley in November and when the case garnered media attention, Holley fled the state. He was extradited from Ohio in late 2022 and has remained in custody since.

Nessel said about the case, “The torture of an animal, and for the explicit torment of those who love them, is a cruel exhibition of violence that is inherently linked with domestic violence and Michigan is well served by the law which acknowledges this link. Beyond the excellent prosecutors in my department, I want to applaud the dedicated staff and swift response of both the Michigan Humane Society and the Detroit Police Department.”

In Michigan, a person who tortures or kills a pet with the intent to cause mental suffering or distress to another person, or to exert control over another person, is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The 2019 law, MCL 750.50b(3), recognizes the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence and provides law enforcement with the tools necessary to hold dangerous perpetrators accountable.

Holley has a history of violence against multiple women, including convictions of criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence, dating back to 1992.

The case against Holley has been part of a partnership between the Department of Attorney General and Michigan Humane to investigate and prosecute animal abuse crimes.