Public outrage is mounting in Stillwater, Oklahoma, after a judge approved a controversial plea deal for an 18-year-old man convicted of multiple counts of rape and assault.
Jesse Butler, who was charged as an adult with crimes including rape, battery by strangulation, and domestic assault involving two women, initially faced a potential 78-year prison sentence.
A Sentence That Sparked Fury
Instead of a lengthy prison term, Payne County Judge Susan C Worthington granted Butler youthful offender status. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 150 hours of community service and mandatory counselling, a decision that has been labelled 'sketchy as hell' by critics.
The rehabilitation plan was authorised under Oklahoma’s Youthful Offender Act, which applies to juveniles aged 13 to 17 charged with serious crimes. Butler was 17 at the time of the assaults.
Victims Forced to Share a Classroom
The deal has provoked anger from residents and politicians alike, who argue it is an insult to the victims. Both victims were fellow students at Stillwater High School and were reportedly forced to share a classroom with Butler for weeks after the charges were filed earlier this year.
Republican state representative Justin Humphrey voiced the community's shock, stating, "To go from more than 75 years in prison to 100-something hours of community service? That’s sketchy as hell. This is upsetting to everyone who’s heard it."
Protests and Calls for Resignation
Dozens of protesters gathered at the Payne County courthouse to denounce the arrangement and demand the resignation of District Attorney Laura Thomas.
One protester, Adelyn Smith, told local media, "Almost losing your life, having a video being recorded of you almost losing your life, and your assaulter being able to just walk with no punishment, a slap on the wrist and 150 hours of community service. That’s just ridiculous."
Another demonstrator, Nancy Janai Irving, added, "None of these girls are getting the justice they deserve. They’ve been silenced, and it’s not OK for him to walk around and not even be remorseful for what he’s done."
Chilling Victim Impact Statements
In court, one victim detailed the horrific nature of the attacks. She stated that Butler strangled her and filmed himself raping her while she was unconscious. He then allegedly threatened to kill her or her family if she told anyone.
"What happened to me wasn’t only abuse or strangulation – it was nearly attempted murder," she said. "Thirty more seconds and this would not be my statement. It would be my mother’s because I would not have survived."
The mother of one victim submitted a powerful statement, saying, "As a mom, I never thought I’d have to watch my daughter fight this kind of battle – one where she had to prove she was the victim, over and over again, while the system made excuse after excuse for the person who hurt her."
The Official Defence
Lawyers for Butler have not publicly commented on the case. The District Attorney's office defended the process, issuing a statement saying Butler had the legal right to seek reclassification.
They emphasised that Butler must successfully complete his rehabilitation plan, which includes aggressive therapy with a sex offender treatment specialist. Should he fail, he faces reclassification as an adult and a potential 10-year prison sentence.
Additional conditions of his sentence include a curfew, a ban from social media, and mandatory daily check-ins with weekly counselling sessions until his 19th birthday.
