Outrage Sparked as Lawmaker Challenges Lenient Sentence for Stillwater Teen Convicted of Rape

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Editor’s Note: This article discusses sensitive topics such as rape and sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. Support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or their website.

In a controversial legal decision out of Oklahoma, a Stillwater teenager, found guilty of several violent sexual offenses, has been released without serving any jail time. This outcome has sparked outrage and prompted a demand for an investigation into the judicial process.

The court’s decision to grant the teen’s request to be sentenced as a “youthful offender,” rather than an adult, has been met with significant criticism. Among the voices calling for scrutiny is State Representative J.J. Humphrey (R-Lane), who has expressed profound concern over the case’s handling.

“This situation is unbelievable,” Humphrey remarked. “It sounds like something straight out of a novel. It’s the kind of story that is usually fictional, but it’s happening right in front of us.”

The Payne County 18-year-old had originally been charged as an adult in March, when he pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of violent sex-related crimes against two other teenagers.

“If that don’t set you on fire, your wood’s wet,” Humphrey said. “You know what I mean? You’ve got a bad deal. That sets me on fire.”

The teen, who was 17 when the crimes occurred, later reached a deal with the District Attorney’s office to have his status changed from “adult” to “youthful offender.”

A judge signed off on the agreement.

The teen then changed his plea to “no contest.”

The court found him guilty and sentenced him to 78 years in prison.

But, because of the “youthful offender” designation, the sentence triggered a rehabilitation plan instead—one drawn up by the state’s Office of Juvenile Affairs.

That plan recommended no prison time, just daily check-ins, weekly counseling, a curfew, no social media access, and 150 hours of community service to be completed by the time the teen turns 19.

While the “youthful offender” designation allowed the teen to avoid prison time for now, if he violates the conditions of his rehabilitation plan, he could still be required to serve the full 78-year sentence.

Neither the DA’s office nor the judge involved in the case has commented.

Humphrey, however, is raising concerns.

“It looks like favoritism all day long for me,” Humphrey said.

He believes the handling of this case doesn’t align with how Payne County has treated other cases involving allegations of child abuse.

He claims the county has aggressively prosecuted individuals in those cases—including people who reported abuse—sometimes jailing them or denying them hearings.

local affiliate KFOR has not independently verified those claims.

Humphrey has filed a petition for a grand jury investigation into those cases.

And now, he says, he’s preparing to file another grand jury petition in this case.

“Does it absolutely smack of political favor that you’re going to erase rapes and sexual heinous crimes so that you can give this guy a slap on the wrist and tell these families they don’t matter and that this one important person matters more than their kids being raped, their kids being sexually molested?” Humphrey said. “And again, turn this predator back out on the street to do it some more? You know what I’m saying? Oklahoma, better pay attention. Wake up.”