Protesters gathered outside the Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Wednesday after 18-year-old Jesse Butler, accused of multiple sexual assaults, avoided prison time under the state’s youthful offender law, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Butler, who pleaded no contest to 10 rape-related charges and one count of violating a protective order, was sentenced to 78 years.
So you rape, sodomize, use instruments while raping, and strangle a girl leaving her near death and you are out and about?
How? It’s called a deal and the DA made quite a deal with this devil named Jesse Butler.
Everything was pled down to virtually nothing. Butler was charged… pic.twitter.com/dBytJ9dcjq [2]
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) November 3, 2025 [3]
However, the term was suspended under Oklahoma’s youthful offender provisions, which allow offenders under 18 at the time of their crimes to undergo rehabilitation instead of serving prison time.
Oklahoma’s teen rapïst, Jesse Mack Butler, arrested on 11 counts of råpe and assault, isn’t sitting in a cage for the rest of his life! All because of his “youthful offender” status!
The only thing this monster received, was probation! ♀️
Jesse Mack Butler assaulted one of the… pic.twitter.com/aNPkMo1UVd [4]
— Mary ♀️ (@Mary_McMuffin) November 2, 2025 [5]
The ruling has ignited anger across the community, with victims’ families and activists demanding accountability.
According to The Oklahoman, more than 100 people rallied outside the courthouse carrying signs calling for justice and demanding the removal of Payne County District Judge Susan Worthington, who issued the sentence.
“Ponca Tribal Victim Services is standing in solidarity with survivors demanding Justice!” the group wrote on Facebook. “Jesse Butler needs to be held accountable! Payne County Judge Susan Worthington should be disbarred.”
The protests followed days of public outrage after Butler’s sentencing became widely known.
People are outraged! Protest started
No prison time!
Jesse Mack Butler of Stillwater, Oklahoma (Payne County).
Son of Former OSU Director of Football, Mack Butler.
Credit: News 2 Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/yY0MPJ0q9v [6]
— Joshua Sanftner (@JoshuaSanftner) November 6, 2025 [7]
A spokesperson for Stillwater Public Schools told Fox News Digital that administrators coordinated with local police in anticipation of demonstrations, designating protest areas and assigning additional officers.
“We condemn sexual assault and violence in all its forms,” the district said in a statement. “Our thoughts, prayers and hopes for justice are with the victims in our community and everywhere.”
Stillwater police confirmed they are investigating “recent phone calls and messages to the district regarding the enrollment of student Jesse Butler.” The department said while no direct threats were made, extra patrols have been deployed “out of an abundance of caution.”
Police also confirmed that Butler, a former Stillwater student, does not attend classes in person and is banned from school property and events.
Body camera footage from Butler’s arrest last year shows officers detaining him after multiple girls accused him of violent sexual assaults. Court documents reveal one victim was nearly strangled to death.
The Payne County District Attorney’s Office defended its handling of the case, citing Butler’s age when the crimes occurred. The office said Oklahoma’s youthful offender law allows supervision “until the defendant’s 19th birthday” and offers a path toward rehabilitation “while still holding him accountable.”
However, state Rep. Justin “JJ” Humphrey (R-Okla.) called the ruling “unacceptable” and announced plans to petition for a grand jury review. “If that don’t set you on fire, your wood’s wet,” Humphrey said. “You’ve got a bad deal. That sets me on fire.”
Oklahoma State Rep. Justin Humphrey joins @TVAshleigh [8] to discuss Jesse Mack Butler avoiding time behind bars despite being sentenced to nearly 80 years in prison after admitting to a string of sex crimes against teenage girls, leading to outrage.
More: https://t.co/SRnXI9ucGq [9] pic.twitter.com/BDMQTKBucx [10]— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 22, 2025 [11]
Court records show Butler remains under the supervision of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. His requirements include counseling, therapy, over 100 hours of community service, and regular check-ins. He is banned from social media and remains under a nightly curfew.
If Butler violates any terms, the court could impose his full 78-year sentence. His next court hearing is scheduled for December 8 in Payne County District Court.