OKLAHOMA — Newly released body camera footage shows 18-year-old Jesse Mack Butler in tears as police arrest him for the sexual assault of multiple high school students, a case that has sparked widespread outrage across Oklahoma.
According to court documents and reports by Oklahoma Watch, Butler was accused of repeatedly raping and strangling one of his victims, causing injuries so severe that she required neck surgery. A doctor who treated the girl said she was within “30 seconds of being killed” during one of the attacks.
Prosecutors said the assaults took place over a span of months while Butler was a student at Perkins-Tryon High School. Multiple victims came forward, detailing violent sexual encounters and threats if they resisted.
Despite facing what could have amounted to nearly 80 years in prison, Butler avoided incarceration after being sentenced under Oklahoma’s Youthful Offender Act, which allows certain defendants under the age of 19 to serve probation and rehabilitation instead of prison time.
The decision has sparked criticism from victims’ advocates and community members who argue the punishment does not fit the severity of the crimes.
According to Oklahoma Watch, Butler’s father previously served as a football director at Oklahoma State University, though authorities have not alleged any influence on the court’s decision.
Local law enforcement released the arrest footage after public records requests, showing Butler crying as he was taken into custody. Police have not commented further on the sentencing decision, which was made by a district judge following a plea agreement.
Butler remains under supervision as part of his youthful offender sentence.
