(WWJ) – A Detroit man who pleaded guilty to torturing his ex-girlfriend's dog has been sentenced to 5-15 years in prison.
Julius Holley, 56, learned his sentence Monday, about eight months after he broke into his ex's home, stole and damaged her property and took her Yorkshire Terrier mix.
Last month Holley took a plea deal on one count of animal torture in the first degree with a habitual 4th offender sentence enhancement. He admitted to recording himself beating and torturing the dog, then sending the videos to his ex-girlfriend.
The dog was later abandoned in a bucket next to a house. It was taken from that location by Michigan Humane to ensure it could not be abused again. The dog is alive today.
Authorities say the abuse came after a "series of stalking incidents" involving his ex-girlfriend.
Holley left the state when the case garnered media attention, fleeing to Ohio. He was extradited back to Michigan in late 2022 and has remained in custody since.
Holley, who has a history of violence against multiple women, was sentenced to 5-15 years imprisonment, reserved restitution, and will be prohibited from owning or possessing any animal, as well as from contacting the human victim.
His criminal history includes convictions for criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence dating back to 1992.
"Animal abuse often goes hand-in-hand with domestic abuse and other crimes and Michigan Humane provides support to pet owners who are victims of domestic violence and may be reluctant to leave their abuser if it means leaving their pet behind," said Attorney General Dana Nessel. "The victims in this case can rest assured knowing society is being protected from this defendant's abuse."
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.
