Outrage Erupts After Oklahoma Teen Sex Offender Avoids Prison in 78-Year Case; Families Demand Judge’s Removal
STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA — Outrage is mounting in Oklahoma after a teenager accused of multiple violent sexual assaults was allowed to avoid prison under the state’s youthful offender law, igniting public fury, courthouse protests, and calls for the presiding judge’s removal.
The controversy centers on 18-year-old Jesse Butler, who pleaded no contest to 10 sex assault-related charges and received a 78-year sentence, which was entirely suspended by a Payne County judge. Butler will remain free if he complies with strict rehabilitation terms.
Families, Survivors, and Activists Protest Court Decision
On Wednesday, November 5, hundreds gathered outside the Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater, carrying signs that read “Justice for Victims” and “Disbar Judge Worthington.”
“Jesse Butler needs to be held accountable,” said the group Ponca Tribal Victim Services in a Facebook post. “Judge Susan Worthington should be disbarred.”
The protests came days after Butler’s sentencing drew national criticism for what many called a failure of justice. Butler, then 17 at the time of the crimes, was prosecuted under Oklahoma’s youthful offender statute, which allows supervision until a defendant’s 19th birthday and offers rehabilitation instead of prison time.
School and Police Respond to Community Tension
Officials from Stillwater Public Schools confirmed they coordinated with police to designate protest areas and increase security patrols near campuses.
“We condemn sexual assault and violence in all its forms,” the district said. “Our thoughts, prayers, and hopes for justice are with the victims.”
The Stillwater Police Department added that it has increased patrols after receiving phone calls and messages referencing Butler’s enrollment. Authorities confirmed Butler no longer attends classes in person and is barred from school property and events.
Graphic Allegations and Community Backlash
Court records reveal multiple victims accused Butler of strangulation and violent assaults, with one doctor testifying that a victim could have died had the attack lasted “seconds longer.”
Body camera footage released by police last year showed Butler’s arrest during the initial investigation. The incidents allegedly occurred while he was still a high school student.
Community members and victim families have condemned the outcome as an affront to justice, with one mother telling KOCO:
“The justice system failed her. My daughter had to prove she was the victim over and over again.”
Political Leaders Call for Action
Oklahoma Representative Justin “JJ” Humphrey (R) called the ruling “unacceptable” and vowed to petition for a grand jury review, saying,
“If that doesn’t set you on fire, your wood’s wet. That sets me on fire.”
The Payne County District Attorney’s Office defended the decision to prosecute Butler as a youthful offender, stating that the law is designed to allow for “rehabilitation while maintaining accountability.”
If Butler fails to meet the terms of his supervision — including therapy, counseling, community service, curfews, and a social media ban — the court could reinstate the full 78-year sentence. His next hearing is scheduled for December 8.
The case has become a flashpoint in Oklahoma’s broader debate over juvenile sentencing, victim advocacy, and judicial accountability. As families and survivors continue to protest, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to reconsider how the youthful offender law is applied in serious sexual assault cases.
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