A newly released body-camera video offers a chilling glimpse into the arrest of Jesse Butler, a teen accused of horrific crimes. The case has ignited a firestorm of outrage after Butler received no jail time, a consequence of Oklahoma’s youthful-offender law.
At 17, Butler faced multiple felony counts, including attempted first-degree rape, sexual battery, and assault by strangulation. He pleaded no contest, yet a 78-year sentence was fully suspended, allowing him to walk free – contingent on completing court-ordered rehabilitation.
The fallout has been devastating for the victims and their families. One mother, her voice raw with pain, stated the justice system had utterly “failed” her daughter, forcing her to repeatedly prove she was the victim while excuses were made for her attacker.
The body-camera footage reveals a remarkably calm scene at a Stillwater home. Butler’s mother, anticipating the officers’ arrival, greeted them at the door, stating, “We’re ready to tell our story too,” before summoning her son.
Officers informed Butler of the arrest warrant, explaining he would be taken for processing. He listened quietly, appearing on the verge of tears as the officers detailed the procedure. “We’re going to place you under arrest… we are going to take you to the jail… I do have to put you in handcuffs,” one officer stated.
“You have to put him in handcuffs?” Butler’s mother questioned, her voice laced with disbelief. The officer attempted to reassure her, adding, “You shouldn’t be there very long… There is just a process for paperwork and stuff.”
Throughout the arrest, Butler’s mother offered unwavering support, mentioning family members already involved in the case. “I’ll get you out,” she promised, urging him to “stay silent” and “say your prayers.”
Jesse Butler’s father, Mack Butler, is a prominent figure – the former director of football operations at Oklahoma State University. Despite his father’s position, the arrest proceeded with a measured exchange, the officers maintaining composure throughout.
As officers escorted Butler to the police car, one clarified they were going to the Stillwater Police Department, not the county jail, to alleviate any confusion. Butler’s mother, watching him go, lamented, “Awful experience for a child… Later, Jess, see you in a bit.”
The Stillwater Police Department initiated a full investigation on September 12, 2024, after receiving reports of incidents occurring earlier in the year. The case was then submitted to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office, resulting in the filing of charges.
Court records reveal harrowing victim impact statements, detailing lasting fear and trauma. One victim powerfully wrote, “You didn’t just strangle me with your hands — you strangled my voice, my joy, my ability to feel safe in my own body.”
A police affidavit details disturbing accounts, including allegations of repeated rape and strangulation, with a doctor warning that the victim narrowly escaped death during one assault. The brutality of the alleged crimes underscores the depth of the victims’ suffering.
The Payne County District Attorney’s Office defended the decision to utilize the youthful-offender law, emphasizing that Butler was 17 at the time of the alleged offenses. They maintain the statute allows for supervision and rehabilitation while still holding the defendant accountable.
However, the ruling has drawn fierce criticism. Rep. Justin “JJ” Humphrey (R-Okla.) called it “unacceptable” and announced plans to petition for a grand jury review, stating the situation was “setting him on fire.”
Currently, Butler is bound by a suspended sentence, contingent on full compliance with a state-supervised rehabilitation plan. He remains under Office of Juvenile Affairs supervision until his 19th birthday, subject to strict conditions.
These conditions include counseling, therapy, over 100 hours of community service, a curfew, a ban on social media, daily check-ins, and weekly counseling sessions. Any violation of these terms could trigger the full 78-year sentence.
His next hearing is scheduled for December 8 in Payne County District Court, a date that looms large for both the victims and the accused, as the future of this deeply troubling case remains uncertain.
