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Editor’s Note: The following article contains discussions about child abuse, which some readers may find distressing. Please exercise caution. If you suspect child abuse, learn how to report it in your state. For immediate support, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253.
An Oklahoma man, initially facing a potential 78-year prison sentence for the sexual and physical abuse of two teenagers, has been released. Jesse Butler, now 18, confessed to raping two former girlfriends when he was a minor and entered a no contest plea to ten felony charges.
Originally charged as an adult, Butler’s case took a significant turn when his status was changed to that of a “youthful offender” due to the crimes occurring before he turned 18. Despite his lengthy sentence, this legal adjustment means he is now free.
The local school district has received concerned calls following the news of Butler’s release. Although he must fulfill community service and undergo counseling, he could have his criminal record expunged by his next birthday, which would exempt him from registering as a sex offender.
Butler will still have to complete community service and counseling. But by his next birthday, he could have his entire criminal record expunged, meaning he will never have to register as a sex offender.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, attorney James Wirth weighed in on the case during ” Now,” saying it’s possible Butler will not serve any time in prison.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about how the system works. Anytime we’re talking about charging a minor of a crime when they were a minor at the time they committed it, there are protections for that individual as well as protections for the victim and the public at large.”
Protests have erupted as people are outraged over the lack of a sentence.
“We don’t necessarily know why, but this occurred back in July, way before there was any outrage,” Wirth said. “There was an agreement between the prosecutor and the defense that was accepted by the judge … that this defendant should be treated as a youthful offender.”
