Families seek justice after teen gets no prison for assault charges

Families in Stillwater, Oklahoma say they are still searching for justice after Jesse McButler, an 18-year-old accused of a series of crimes Violent sexual assaultsHe avoided prison time – a decision that sparked protests, calls for legal reform and renewed anger from victims’ families.

Butler, who was 16 and 17 at the time, pleaded no contest earlier this year to 11 felony charges, including attempted rape, rape by device, sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy, domestic assault by strangulation, and violation of a protective order.

He had faced up to 78 years in prison, but was instead granted youthful offender status, allowing him to remain free under supervision with counselling, community service and a curfew.

In an interview with Nightline’s Juju Chang previewed this week “Good morning, America.” The parents of one of the victims have spoken publicly for the first time about the emotional fallout and why they believe the court’s decision failed their daughter.

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Officers move in to arrest 18-year-old Jesse Butler as his mother looks on. He was sentenced as a youthful offender in a sexual assault case, which saved him from prison. (Stillwater Police Department)

The victim’s mother, Yvonne, said her daughter, known as Kate, had suffered since the attacks.

“The community service and counseling are not equivalent to what he did for her and what he took from her,” she told Chang.

Kate’s father, Austin, said the family hopes speaking out will protect others. “[I’m] I just hope his name is there. “Someone will know they can do this and anything we can do to prevent further damage.”

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Kate was 16 when she started dating Butler, her first boyfriend. Her parents said he initially seemed polite and attentive before they noticed changes in her daughter’s behavior. She is now completing her senior year online and has withdrawn from major milestones, including prom and graduation.

Court documents obtained by Fox News Detail the risk of accusations, including allegations that Butler choked and threatened the victims and left a teenager “nearly dead.” One victim wrote that Butler “stifled my voice, my joy, and my ability to feel safe in my body.” Police statements described repeated assaults, forced sexual acts, and threats of violence if victims spoke out.

Anger intensified when these details became public.

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Jesse Butler was seen sitting on a bench with his sister and mother. (Amber “MacKenzie” Sylvie)

During a Dec. 8 hearing on compliance with the Butler management agreement, protesters again lined up at the Payne County Courthouse. According to KJRH, Protesters expressed frustration with the sealed records, and victim advocates who were allowed to speak in court argued that keeping some documents under seal appeared to protect Butler rather than promote transparency.

The review hearing focused on whether Butler was complying with the terms of his probation, which include daily calls and weekly visits to the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Treatment and Community Service.

One protester told KJRH: “Rape is rape“Violence is violence and must end, as does systemic corruption.” Advocates questioned how treatment would benefit Butler when he never admitted any wrongdoing.

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At the hearing, the judge agreed to release some of Butler’s records, a move that victim advocates said would help provide more clarity about the case.

Pine County Prosecutor Laura Austin Thomas issued a detailed statement To the Oklahoman More than a month after the ruling, she explained why prosecutors initially took the case to adult court, a move she said was intended to keep the allegations public, because juvenile cases in Oklahoma are typically confidential.

Thomas said state law strongly favors rehabilitation when defendants were under 18 at the time of the alleged crimes, and noted that only two of the 11 charges are legally eligible for adult trial. She said families were told early on that a youth offender sentence was the likely outcome.

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Jesse Butler was photographed in a baseball uniform before the criminal charges came to light. (ricin baseball)

According to the DA’s statement, also reported by The Oklahoman, Butler must complete a “rigorous treatment schedule” with a specialist. If he fails to comply, he could be reclassified as an adult and face up to 10 years in prison.

The Oklahoman also reported that some critics questioned whether Butler’s local ties, including his father’s former role with the Oklahoma State University football program, influenced the outcome. The judge who granted the young offender status also holds two degrees from Ohio State University. No evidence has been presented that those links influenced the ruling, but they remain part of the public debate.

In an interview with “Nightline,” the family’s attorney, Rachel Bossette, said she believed imprisonment was justified.

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“There should have been a period of imprisonment and an admission of guilt,” she said.

Bussett filed a motion alleging that Kate’s rights were violated during the plea and sentencing proceedings.

Yvonne said she hopes her daughter will eventually move on.

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“I hope she tries dating again, she’s so scared right now,” she said. When asked if the ordeal had broken her daughter’s confidence, she added: “Yes… I hope she tries again because love shouldn’t hurt.”

Fox News has reached out to the Payne County Prosecutor’s Office and the family’s attorney for additional comment.

Stephenie Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and immigrant crimes. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.