Nationwide — Jesse Mack Butler, a white teen from Oklahoma that was accused of raping and strangling two girls, had his case dismissed after completing the requirements of a youthful offender program. Although he pleaded no contest to 11 charges, he did not spend a day in prison.
Butler was arrested in March 2025 after authorities investigated allegations involving two high school students in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was 17 years old at the time and initially faced adult charges before his case was moved to the state’s youthful offender program.
Court records showed Butler faced several serious charges, including first-degree rape, domestic assault and battery by strangulation, attempted rape, and rape by instrumentation. He pleaded no contest to the charges in August 2025, avoiding a trial.
The charges carried the possibility of a 78-year prison sentence. Instead, a judge allowed Butler to remain under the Oklahoma Youthful Offender Act, which required him to complete probation, counseling, community service, and other court-ordered conditions, according to People.
During court proceedings, the victims and their families described the lasting effects of the alleged assaults. One victim said she struggled with explaining her injuries, her silence, and why she became distant from people who cared about her. The mother of another victim said her daughter repeatedly had to prove she was the victim while Butler received opportunities through the legal system.
On August 3, one day before Butler turned 19, the court dismissed the case after reviewing his progress. The Office of Juvenile Affairs reported that Butler completed all requirements without any violations, ending his youthful offender supervision.
During the hearing, Butler’s attorney, Derek Chance, made statements that appeared to suggest his client continued to deny the allegations. Payne and Logan County District Attorney Jeremiah Gregory later criticized the comments, saying the defense claims did not change the outcome of the case.
Gregory said his office plans to submit the case to federal prosecutors for review because Oklahoma cannot pursue another criminal case against Butler due to double jeopardy protections. He said his office would continue supporting victims of violent crimes.
Rachel Bussett, an attorney representing one of the victims, said the family supports the district attorney’s decision to seek further review. She also confirmed that the family is considering a civil lawsuit against Butler.
Meanwhile, Butler’s attorney said he plans to file a request to have Butler’s record expunged. He said Butler accepted the plea agreement as a way to reduce legal risks while continuing to maintain his innocence.