Tulsa man charged with running illegal dog-fighting operation in Creek County

A 43-year-old Tulsa man has been federally charged with running an illegal dog-fighting camp in Creek County, where investigators say they seized more than a dozen dogs, drugs, cash, and evidence of a long-running animal cruelty operation.

U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson said Julius Deane Griffin is accused of 23 counts of illegal dog fighting, illegal possession, training, transport, delivery, sale and receipt of dogs with the intended use of fighting.

PHOTO: Julius Deane Griffin

“The allegations against Griffin are disturbing,” said Attorney Johnson in the release. “Prior to Griffin’s arrest, prosecutors partnered with animal rescue agencies that specialize in treating and caring for dogs seized from illegal dog operations. I want to thank law enforcement and all the agencies that collaborated to ensure these dogs receive the medical treatment and care they deserve to have.”

The Creek County Sheriff's Office began the investigation in 2024, then executed a search warrant on Griffin's home on April 21, 2025. This was near West Edison Street and North Gilcrease Museum Road, court documents show.

Items recovered/seized from Julius Deane Griffin's home:

1. 17 live pit bull-type dogs and other fighting dogs
2. A deceased pit bull-type dog
3. Ammunition, gun magazines, over $16,000 in cash
4. Over 20 cell phones/electronic devices
5. Trophies from dog fighting, dog treadmills, kennels, digital scales to weigh dogs
6. Dog food, Narcan, injectable steroids, syringes, dog medication
7. 700 grams of mushrooms and a drug ledger

The federal government said that Griffin advertised and publicized his dog-fighting operation on social media, and that Facebook provided data related to his social media account after authorities requested a search warrant.

His account, according to court documents, shows "communication, pictures, and videos related to controlled substances, firearms, domestic abuse, and dog fighting. One of the videoed dog fights revealed a child cheering on the fight."

“HSI will go to no end to pursue criminals who inflict harm and exploit innocent animals for their deviant entertainment and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard Homeland Security Investigations Dallas. “Our investigations into illegal dog-fighting rings are vital to public safety as these types of criminal activities are often precursors into other organized criminal activity such as drug trafficking and money laundering.” 

What is Julius Deane Griffin charged with?

1. Twenty-three counts of Illegal dog fighting; Illegal Possession, Training, Transport, Delivery, Sale and Receipt of Dogs Intended to be Used in an Animal Fighting Venture;
2. Causing an Individual Under the Age of 16 to Attend an Animal Fighting Venture;
3. Felon in Possession of Ammunition;
4. Possession of Ammunition After a Misdemeanor Conviction of Domestic Violence; and
5. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

Does Julius Deane Griffin have a criminal history?

The DOJ says Griffin was convicted in 2005 for a separate dog-fighting ring involving 40 dogs. In 2009, he was convicted of domestic assault and battery.

Who contributed to the investigation, leading to Julius Deane Griffin's arrest?

1. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
2. U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)
3. United States Department of Agriculture
4. Creek County Sheriff’s Office
5. Tulsa Police Department
6. Prosecutor: Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris

Other instances of dog-fighting rings or arrests in Oklahoma?

In March, federal prosecutors charged a Broken Arrow man and former NFL running back with operating a large-scale dog-fighting ring in the area, seizing nearly 200 dogs in what the FBI says is its largest confiscation from a single person.

The DOJ said Leshon Eugene Johnson appeared in court and was charged with possession of 190 pit bull dogs used for "animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for use in an animal fighting venture."