An Oklahoma teenager, accused of sexually assaulting and strangling two female high school students, avoided serving any prison time, leading to public uproar as the family of one victim plans to take legal action.
“Our focus now shifts to a new chapter, which is pursuing civil litigation,” stated Rachel Bussett, the attorney for one of the victimized girls’ families, during a conversation with News Media.
Jesse Mack Butler found himself facing adult charges at 17, which included attempted first-degree rape, rape by instrumentation, sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy, and domestic assault and battery by strangulation. Despite these serious charges, he later secured youthful-offender status and entered a no contest plea to all 11 accusations in August 2025.
Rather than being incarcerated, Butler was placed under the oversight of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs and required to complete a rehabilitation plan. As Butler celebrated his 19th birthday at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 4, the court no longer held jurisdiction over him, resulting in the dismissal of the case by law.
A photo shows Jesse Butler in a baseball uniform, a snapshot from before the criminal allegations surfaced. (Risin Baseball)
For the family she represents, Bussett said, the outcome was painful but hardly unexpected.
“They were sad and upset, obviously, because they didn’t want the deal to go through this way, but they weren’t surprised,” Bussett said. “They knew that it was going to happen from the beginning.”
The family may now have two possible paths forward.
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Bussett said the family is preparing for civil litigation while also hoping federal authorities take a fresh look at the case.
She said her understanding is that materials are being referred for review to determine whether content allegedly found on Butler’s phone could qualify as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and whether it was distributed. Bussett said her client had seen material she believes was on the phone.
“We know that that’s a long shot,” Bussett said of possible federal action, “but we’re holding confident in the process.”
News Media has reached out to the Department of Justice for additional information on the case.
A protester raises a sign reading “Hold Jesse Responsible” during a demonstration outside the courthouse in Stillwater, Okla., on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Bussett also blasted her client’s treatment during the earlier prosecution, describing an encounter with the former elected district attorney that she characterized as a “mock cross-examination.”
Bussett said the teen believed she was speaking with someone she could trust to protect her, only to feel “absolutely attacked.”
“Not only are they often not believed, but then they’re attacked by those who are supposed to help them,” Bussett said of sexual-assault victims coming forward.
News Media has reached out to the previous district attorney for comment.
Jesse Butler is seen sitting down on a bench, with his sister and mother standing nearby. (Amber “Mckinzie” Selvey)
Beyond the family’s troubling encounters with public officials, Butler’s defense attorney, Derek Chance, drew further criticism at the hearing after suggesting Butler was innocent and had been victimized by the case, according to newly elected Payne and Logan County District Attorney Jeremiah Gregory.
“Today’s hearing included disingenuous assertions from the defense regarding the defendant’s innocence, that he was the victim in this matter and that the victim’s assertions were false and had no bearing. The defense portrayed that somehow the perpetrator suffered more than these victims. What was said was insincere, untruthful and an affront to these victims and what they have endured,” Gregory said in a statement.
“Nothing has made my blood boil more.”
Gregory said constitutional double jeopardy protections bar Oklahoma from prosecuting Butler a second time, and he has contacted the appropriate federal agency to request a prosecutorial review of the case.
“I cannot undo what has already been done,” Gregory said, “but I can — and will — continue to stand as a strong voice for all victims of violent crime.”
News Media reached out to the Payne and Logan County District Attorney’s Office, the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs and Butler’s attorney for additional comment.