Public anger is boiling over in Oklahoma as protests erupt over teen predator Jesse Butler’s suspended 78-year sentence. Families of victims, community members, and local lawmakers are condemning the decision that allowed the 18-year-old, accused of multiple violent sexual assaults, to avoid prison under Oklahoma’s youthful offender law.
More than a hundred protesters filled the streets outside the Payne County Courthouse Wednesday, demanding accountability. Signs read, “Justice for Victims” and “Disbar Judge Worthington.” “Ponca Tribal Victim Services is standing in solidarity with survivors demanding Justice!” the organization declared. “Jesse Butler needs to be held accountable! Payne County Judge Susan Worthington should be disbarred.”
Butler pleaded no contest to ten rape-related charges and one count of violating a protective order. Although sentenced to 78 years, his term was suspended, permitting release under court-ordered rehabilitation. The Payne County District Attorney’s Office cited Butler’s age at the time—17—as the basis for applying the youthful offender law.
Victims’ families called the outcome a betrayal. One mother told KOCO, “The justice system failed her.” Another victim said Butler strangled her during an attack, and a doctor warned she could have died had it lasted “seconds longer.”
State Rep. Justin “JJ” Humphrey, R-Okla., condemned the ruling as “unacceptable” and vowed to petition for a grand jury review. “If that don’t set you on fire, your wood’s wet,” he told Fox News Digital.
Butler remains under state supervision, required to attend therapy, perform community service, and follow strict curfew and no-contact rules. His next hearing is set for Dec. 8, where the public’s demand for justice shows no sign of fading.
