In Oklahoma, public outrage is mounting over the judicial handling of a teenager accused of multiple violent sexual assaults, as he manages to evade prison time. This has led to a wave of protests outside a courthouse, with many questioning the justice system’s decisions.
On Wednesday, more than a hundred demonstrators gathered at the Payne County Courthouse, brandishing signs as they voiced their demand for justice. The protests erupted following 18-year-old Jesse Butler’s avoidance of prison, thanks to Oklahoma’s youthful offender law, according to The Oklahoman.
“Ponca Tribal Victim Services stands with survivors in demanding justice,” the organization declared on Facebook. They insisted that “Jesse Butler needs to be held accountable” and called for the disbarment of Payne County Judge Susan Worthington, who presided over the case.
The fervent demonstrations came after a surge of online and community anger. Butler, who pleaded no contest to several charges of sexual assault, received a 78-year sentence. However, this sentence was suspended under the youthful offender statute, allowing him to remain free if he completes a court-mandated rehabilitation program.
Images captured the scene of the protest at the Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on November 5, 2025, as demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with the case outcome. The photographs were taken by Nathan J. Fish of The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images.
In anticipation of the protests, Stillwater Public Schools took precautionary measures. A spokesperson revealed to Fox News Digital that school staff collaborated with police the previous week to prepare for potential demonstrations. They designated specific areas for protestors and media, and increased the presence of officers on campus to ensure safety.
“We condemn sexual assault and violence in all its forms,” the school district shared in a statement. “Our thoughts, prayers and hopes for justice are with the victims in our community and everywhere.”
The Stillwater Police Department said in a release it is working with Stillwater Public Schools to investigate “recent phone calls and messages to the district regarding the enrollment of student Jesse Butler.”
“While the language used in the phone calls and messages are vague and not directed at specific school sites, students or staff, all concerning communications and any potential threats are taken seriously and investigated fully,” the department wrote.
A protester raises a sign that says “Hold Jesse Responsible” during a demonstration outside the courthouse in Stillwater, Okla., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Authorities said additional patrols have been added out of an abundance of caution. Butler, who was previously a Stillwater student, does not attend in person and is barred from school property and events, police confirmed.
A newly released body camera video shows the moment Butler was arrested last year, part of an investigation that began after multiple girls accused him of brutal sexual assaults.
WATCH: Police bodycam shows arrest of Oklahoma teen Jesse Butler
Then 17, Butler pleaded no contest to 10 rape-related charges and one count of violating a protective order. Although he received a 78-year sentence, the term was suspended under Oklahoma’s youthful offender law, allowing him to remain free if he meets strict rehabilitation terms.
Victims’ families and community members have condemned the outcome. Some protesters on Wednesday held signs noting Butler’s connection to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where his father is the former director of football operations.
Opponents of Jesse Butler hold signs denouncing the court’s decision outside the Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater, Okla., Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“As a mom, I never thought I’d have to watch my daughter fight this kind of battle, one where she had to prove she was the victim over and over again,” one mother told KOCO. “The justice system failed her.”
One victim said Butler strangled her, and a doctor warned that she could have died had it lasted “seconds longer,” according to a police affidavit reviewed by Fox News Digital.
Jesse Butler in a baseball uniform before the criminal allegations came to light. (Risin Baseball)
The Payne County District Attorney’s Office said the decision to pursue the case under the youthful offender law was based on Butler’s age at the time of the crimes. The office said the law allows supervision “until the defendant’s 19th birthday” and gives a chance for rehabilitation “while still holding him accountable.”
Rep. Justin “JJ” Humphrey, R-Okla., called the ruling “unacceptable” and said he plans to petition for a grand jury review.
“If that don’t set you on fire, your wood’s wet,” Humphrey previously told Fox News Digital. “You know what I mean? You’ve got a bad deal. That sets me on fire.”
Court documents show Butler remains under Office of Juvenile Affairs supervision, required to complete therapy, counseling, more than 100 hours of community service, daily check-ins and weekly sessions. He’s banned from social media and subject to curfew restrictions.
If Butler violates any terms, the court could enforce his full 78-year sentence. His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8 in Payne County District Court.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
