Oklahoma Family Speaks Out After Teen Avoids Prison in Violent Sexual Assault Case
STILLWATER, Okla. — The family of a teenage victim in a violent sexual assault case has broken their silence, expressing deep frustration and calling for justice after the accused, Jesse Mack Butler, was spared prison time despite pleading no contest to multiple felony charges. Butler, now 18, was accused of a series of violent sexual assaults committed when he was 16 and 17 years old. The case has ignited community outrage and renewed calls for reform of Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system.
Butler faced 11 felony charges, including attempted rape, rape by instrumentation, sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy, domestic assault by strangulation, and violating a protective order. Prosecutors said he could have received up to 78 years in prison. However, the court granted him youthful offender status, resulting in a sentence that includes supervision, counseling, community service, and a curfew — but no incarceration.
In an interview with ABC News correspondent Juju Chang on “Nightline,” previewed on “Good Morning America,” the victim’s parents spoke publicly for the first time. Ivonne, the victim’s mother, described the lasting impact on her daughter, identified only as Kate, who has struggled emotionally since the assaults. “Community service and counseling doesn’t equate to what he did to her — what he’s taken from her,” Ivonne said.
Kate’s father, Austin, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Butler’s actions to protect others. “[I’m] just hoping that his name will be out there. That somebody will know that he’s capable of this and just anything we can do to prevent other harm,” he told ABC.
Kate was 16 when she began dating Butler, her first boyfriend. Initially, her parents said, he appeared polite and attentive, but they soon noticed troubling changes in their daughter’s behavior. She has since withdrawn from significant milestones, including prom and graduation, and is completing her senior year online.
Law enforcement documents obtained by Fox News detail the severity of the accusations against Butler. Police affidavits describe repeated assaults, forced sexual acts, strangulation, and threats of violence aimed at silencing victims. One victim wrote that Butler had “strangled my voice, my joy, my ability to feel safe in my own body.” Another was reportedly left “near death” after an assault.
The Stillwater Police Department released body camera footage capturing Butler’s arrest, which has fueled public outrage. Victims’ families and community members have protested the court’s decision to avoid prison time, arguing that the sentence does not reflect the gravity of the crimes.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about Oklahoma’s juvenile justice laws and whether violent offenders should be tried as adults. Advocates argue that the youthful offender statute, intended to offer rehabilitation opportunities, may not adequately address cases involving severe violence.
Oklahoma’s State Bureau of Investigation continues to support victims of sexual assault, working alongside local law enforcement to ensure thorough investigations. Meanwhile, the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice provides resources aimed at improving victim services and juvenile justice reform nationwide.
Legal experts note that youthful offender statutes vary by state but often seek to balance rehabilitation with public safety. The controversy surrounding Butler’s case highlights the challenges courts face in applying these laws to serious crimes. The victim’s family has called on state lawmakers to revisit these statutes to prevent similar outcomes in future cases.
Community members and advocacy groups, including the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), have voiced support for the family and emphasized the importance of survivor-centered justice. They stress that sentences must reflect the trauma endured by victims and prioritize their healing.
As the Stillwater community grapples with the case’s aftermath, Kate’s family hopes their public statements will encourage others to speak out and push for meaningful change. “We want justice not just for our daughter, but for all victims,” Ivonne said.
The case remains a poignant example of the complex intersection between juvenile justice policies and the pursuit of accountability in violent crimes. It underscores the ongoing debate over how best to protect communities while supporting rehabilitation for young offenders.
For more information on victim support and legal resources, the Office for Victims of Crime offers comprehensive assistance nationwide.
Leave a Reply