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An Oklahoma teenager, previously sentenced to nearly 80 years behind bars for sexual and physical abuse, is now free. Jesse Butler, 18, confessed to sexually assaulting two former girlfriends while he was still a minor. He entered a no-contest plea to 10 felony charges related to these offenses.

Originally, Butler faced the charges as an adult. However, his case took a dramatic turn when it was reclassified under the “youthful offender” status due to his age at the time of the crimes. As a result, despite his initial 78-year prison sentence, Butler has been released.

The local school district has received concerned inquiries following the decision in Jesse Butler’s case, reflecting the community’s unease over his release.

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.”