(WWJ) – A Detroit man is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to torturing his ex-girlfriend’s dog last fall and sending her videos of the abuse.
Julius Holley, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree animal torture with a habitual 4th offender sentence enhancement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday.
Holley’s plea accompanies a sentencing agreement of 5-15 years in prison, reserved restitution, and a prohibition on owning or possessing any animal or contacting the human victim. He’s due to be sentenced on June 12.
Last October Holley broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, stole and damaged her property, and took her Yorkshire Terrier mix dog, according to Nessel’s office.
He then took videos of himself beating and torturing the dog 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 still alive today.
Holley fled the state after Nessel announced charges in November and he was eventually extradited from Ohio in late 2022. He has remained in custody since. He was ordered to trial in December.
“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,” Nessel said, per a press release.
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 law “recognizes the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence and provides law enforcement with the tools necessary to hold dangerous perpetrators accountable.”
Nessel’s office says 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 is a partnership between Nessel’s office and Michigan Humane to investigate and prosecute animal abuse crimes.
Michigan Humane provides a Safety Net pet fostering program for people who need a safe place to temporarily house their pets. People in need of the service, or those looking to volunteer to foster animals in these situations, should call the Michigan Humane at 866-648-6263.
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