Excessive Force Allegation (August 31, 2023): While serving as a Johnson County jail sergeant, Griffith was named in a federal civil rights lawsuit (Dale v. Stephens et al) alleging excessive force against an inmate. The inmate-plaintiff claimed that on Aug. 31, 2023, Sgt. Griffith and other officers “used excessive force… by ‘dragging’ him in handcuffs into a pod with an inmate who had previously attacked him.” In March 2024, a U.S. Magistrate Judge recommended that the claims against Griffith proceed.
March 24, 2025
March 24, 2025 Incident – Video, Investigation, and Aftermath
March 24, 2025
On March 24, 2025, a video surfaced showing Griffith arresting an entire family during a traffic stop, allegedly violating their civil rights. The video went viral, prompting intense public scrutiny.
March 24, 2025
YOUTUBE.COM, X.COM, TIKTOK.COM, M.FACEBOOK.COM (Video of March 24, 2025 incident, public reaction, and anticipated lawsuit)
Deputy John Griffith – Career and Conduct Overview
Law Enforcement Career Timeline
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Arkansas) – Jail Officer/Sergeant (until 2023): John Griffith served at the Johnson County Detention Center, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was responsible for supervising inmates and jail operations. Multiple court documents from 2023 list him as a sergeant at Johnson County’s jail.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (Arkansas) – Deputy Sheriff (2024–Present): By late 2023 or early 2024, Griffith joined the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. In this role, he has worked in patrol and traffic enforcement. (Franklin County’s sheriff is Johnny Crocker.) Griffith is notably also known to moonlight as a rodeo clown, a fact mentioned in descriptions of a 2025 incident. For example, one account refers to him as “Deputy John Griffith (who is also a rodeo clown),” indicating his involvement in rodeo entertainment alongside law enforcement duties.
Table: Summary of John Griffith’s Law Enforcement Roles
Timeframe
Agency (Location)
Position/Role
??? – 2023
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Clarksville, AR)
Jailer; promoted to Sergeant (Detention Center)
2024 – Present
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (Ozark, AR)
Deputy Sheriff (Patrol)
Note: Exact start dates are not publicly documented. Griffith was serving as a Johnson County jail sergeant through at least August 2023 and is confirmed to be a Franklin County deputy by early 2024. His rodeo clown activities (often termed “barrelman” in rodeos) have been documented in rodeo event programs and local news, highlighting a dual career in law enforcement and entertainment.
Misconduct Allegations and Complaints
John Griffith’s law enforcement tenure has been marred by several complaints and lawsuits in recent years:
Excessive Force Allegation (August 31, 2023): While serving as a Johnson County jail sergeant, Griffith was named in a federal civil rights lawsuit (Dale v. Stephens et al) alleging excessive force against an inmate. The inmate-plaintiff claimed that on Aug. 31, 2023, Sgt. Griffith and other officers “used excessive force… by ‘dragging’ him in handcuffs into a pod with an inmate who had previously attacked him.” In March 2024, a U.S. Magistrate Judge recommended that the claims against Griffith proceed.
Unlawful Detention/Bond Issue (mid-2023): In Sexton v. Griffith et al, filed September 2023, Griffith and a jail administrator were sued for allegedly detaining a pre-trial detainee longer than legally justified. The plaintiff accused Griffith of abusing the legal process, and the case was active as of March 2024.
Inmate Conditions Complaint (2023): Another lawsuit named Sgt. Griffith regarding inhumane jail conditions at Johnson County, alleging severely limited outdoor recreation time and overcrowding.
Franklin County Incident Complaints (2025): A March 2025 incident involving Deputy Griffith has prompted public outcry and plans for legal action.
Internal Discipline: No public records of formal disciplinary actions against Griffith are available prior to 2025.
Criminal Charges or Arrests Involving Griffith
No known criminal charges have been filed against Deputy John Griffith. A different individual named John W. Griffith faced unrelated charges in Missouri, but that individual is not the deputy.
March 24, 2025 Incident – Video, Investigation, and Aftermath
On March 24, 2025, a video surfaced showing Griffith arresting an entire family during a traffic stop, allegedly violating their civil rights. The video went viral, prompting intense public scrutiny.
Traffic Stop and Arrests: Griffith conducted a traffic stop and escalated the situation, arresting a woman and multiple family members without clear justification.
Video Release and Public Reaction: The video, posted by “The Random Patriot,” went viral, receiving significant backlash online.
No known criminal charges have been filed against Deputy John Griffith. A different individual named John W. Griffith faced unrelated charges in Missouri, but that individual is not the deputy.
Immediate Outcome: Charges against the family were dropped.
SPRINGFIELDMO.GOV and GREENECOUNTYMO.GOV (Unrelated John W. Griffith criminal charges)
Investigation
Internal Investigation Status: Franklin County has not publicly announced disciplinary measures yet.
Potential Outcomes: Possible departmental penalties or termination, pending the outcome of investigations and potential lawsuits.
Trial & Court Proceedings
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Arkansas) – Jail Officer/Sergeant (until 2023): John Griffith served at the Johnson County Detention Center, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was responsible for supervising inmates and jail operations. Multiple court documents from 2023 list him as a sergeant at Johnson County’s jail.
Unlawful Detention/Bond Issue (mid-2023): In Sexton v. Griffith et al, filed September 2023, Griffith and a jail administrator were sued for allegedly detaining a pre-trial detainee longer than legally justified. The plaintiff accused Griffith of abusing the legal process, and the case was active as of March 2024.
Sentencing & Outcome
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Arkansas) – Jail Officer/Sergeant (until 2023): John Griffith served at the Johnson County Detention Center, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was responsible for supervising inmates and jail operations. Multiple court documents from 2023 list him as a sergeant at Johnson County’s jail.
Note: Exact start dates are not publicly documented. Griffith was serving as a Johnson County jail sergeant through at least August 2023 and is confirmed to be a Franklin County deputy by early 2024. His rodeo clown activities (often termed “barrelman” in rodeos) have been documented in rodeo event programs and local news, highlighting a dual career in law enforcement and entertainment.
Unlawful Detention/Bond Issue (mid-2023): In Sexton v. Griffith et al, filed September 2023, Griffith and a jail administrator were sued for allegedly detaining a pre-trial detainee longer than legally justified. The plaintiff accused Griffith of abusing the legal process, and the case was active as of March 2024.
Inmate Conditions Complaint (2023): Another lawsuit named Sgt. Griffith regarding inhumane jail conditions at Johnson County, alleging severely limited outdoor recreation time and overcrowding.
CASETEXT.COM (Johnson County Jail and lawsuit details)
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Arkansas) – Jail Officer/Sergeant (until 2023): John Griffith served at the Johnson County Detention Center, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was responsible for supervising inmates and jail operations. Multiple court documents from 2023 list him as a sergeant at Johnson County’s jail.
Unlawful Detention/Bond Issue (mid-2023): In Sexton v. Griffith et al, filed September 2023, Griffith and a jail administrator were sued for allegedly detaining a pre-trial detainee longer than legally justified. The plaintiff accused Griffith of abusing the legal process, and the case was active as of March 2024.
Background & History
Internal Discipline: No public records of formal disciplinary actions against Griffith are available prior to 2025.
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