The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has formally charged a Detroit man following an investigation by Detroit police and the Michigan Humane Society, which led to a dog fighting ring bust on the city's east side.
Julian Akyan, 29, of Detroit, was arrested on Friday, March 8. On Sunday, Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Akyan's charges, which include: felon in possession of a firearm (FIP); FIP - ammunition; animal fighting; possession of fighting animals, equipment; cruelty to 10 or more animals; cruelty to 4 to 10 animals; and five counts of felony firearm.
The defendant is expected to be arraigned in 36th District Court on March 11.
Police and the humane society conducted an investigation, which began in early 2019. The investigation involved a house in the 14000 block of Edmore, and three other Detroit locations connected to Akyan, according to a release.
A total of 30 dogs were recovered during the bust. They displayed bite trauma and injuries that were consistent with dog fighting.
