An Oklahoma legal decision has ignited public furor following the case of 18-year-old Jesse Mack Butler, who was convicted of sexually assaulting two high school classmates but will not serve prison time. Special Judge Susan Worthington approved a plea agreement that places Butler under the supervision of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, involving a year of rehabilitation, daily check-ins, and community service.
Butler faced a potential 80-year sentence before the deal reduced his punishment significantly. He was initially charged in February 2024 as an adult with multiple felony counts, including attempted rape and rape by instrumentation, based on crimes committed while he was 17. However, following his plea change to no contest, Judge Worthington agreed to his reclassification as a youthful offender, which emphasizes rehabilitation over incarceration.
The plea agreement, sanctioned on August 25, requires Butler to fulfill 150 hours of community service, attend counseling sessions, adhere to a curfew, abstain from social media, and complete daily check-ins until the age of 19. If Butler complies, he may have all charges expunged from his record and avoid listing on a sex offender registry, as reported by NewsNation.
The decision has been met with shock and anger from victims' families. One mother labeled the outcome "appalling," arguing that it fails to hold Butler accountable and could endanger others. The severity of the sentence was also criticized for not reflecting the gravity of Butler's crimes or the trauma suffered by the victims.
Court documents reveal a pattern of abuse, with one victim recounting multiple rapes over a three-month period and instances of strangulation. The second victim described similar assaults, including one recorded on Butler's phone. Both victims reported threats to their lives if they disclosed the assaults.
Oklahoma State Representative Justin "JJ" Humphrey voiced his disapproval, deeming the plea a “complete miscarriage of justice.” He questioned the judge's decision and its adherence to the law. Judge Worthington has faced previous criticism for her rulings, such as granting bond to a murder suspect, which has contributed to the current controversy.
Butler's next court appearance is slated for December 8 in Payne County, where his adherence to the rehabilitation plan will be reviewed.
The case has garnered considerable attention online, with true crime influencer Justin Sheperd bringing it to the spotlight and Juanita Broaddrick, a high-profile figure, condemning the lenient sentence and calling for the judge's removal.
