Outrage Surrounds Release of Convicted Rapist
A former high school baseball player, Jesse Butler, 18, was met with boos and protests upon arriving at court, following a controversial decision allowing him to avoid jail time after being convicted of violently raping two female students.
The case attracted widespread attention during the summer when a judge granted Butler immunity from prison after he pleaded no contest as a juvenile. His charges included sexual assault, strangulation, and domestic violence.
On Monday, a frustrated crowd gathered outside the Payne County Courthouse, demanding justice for his victims. Many held signs that read, “No Jail, No Justice.” One protester confronted Butler directly, asking, “Why did you rape those girls, Jesse?” and pressed him to address the victims.
Protesters expressed frustration, with one stating, “Basically, the perpetrator is innocent, and it is the victim who must serve time.”
Inside the courtroom, Butler, dressed casually in a black suit, passed through security for the hearing. During proceedings, officials confirmed he was complying with the terms of his youthful offender contract, allowing him to remain on probation.
Originally sentenced to 78 years in prison for ten rape-related charges, Butler’s sentence was overturned under Oklahoma’s Youth Offenders Act. This act permits him to stay free as long as he adheres to court-ordered rehabilitation programs.
However, a judge cautioned him that failure to comply with these terms could result in the full 78-year sentence being reinstated.
The families of the victims and community members have voiced their outrage over the judge’s ruling and have organized protests each time Butler appears in court. There were also concerns regarding the judge, Susan Worthington, who has ties to Oklahoma State University, where Butler’s father had worked.
Rachel Bassett, an attorney representing one of the victims, shared distressing details: Butler allegedly strangled one girl to record the incident on his phone and caused significant damage to another girl’s neck, necessitating surgery. Bassett noted the lasting trauma this has inflicted on the young victims, saying, “A young woman at that age has already come to terms with adulthood… She’s going through this trauma now and how that impacts every relationship for the rest of her life.”
