TW: Sexual Assault

In Oklahoma, two young girls found the courage to come forward with harrowing stories of abuse — one of them was reportedly choked unconscious, her doctor saying she was lucky to be alive. Butler, the teen accused of these brutal sexual assaults, faced 11 serious charges: first-degree rape, strangulation, and violating a protective order among them. He pleaded no contest.

Originally, Butler was charged as an adult and faced up to 78 years behind bars. But in a shocking twist, his case was reclassified under Oklahoma’s Youthful Offender Act — a law that’s supposed to give minors a second chance, not shield violent criminals from real consequences.

Because Butler was 17 when the assaults occurred, his status was changed. The result? No prison time. Instead, he was sentenced to a year of rehab and community service. His record may even be eligible for sealing.

The families of the victims begged the prosecutor not to make this deal. They say their daughters were ready to testify, ready to reclaim their power. But the system silenced them again, not with threats this time, but with leniency.

This is not justice.

Oklahoma’s Youthful Offender Act must be revised. While rehabilitation is important, violent sexual crimes, especially those involving strangulation, multiple victims, and coercion, should never qualify for sentence reductions or record expungement under this law. The age of the perpetrator should not erase the terror inflicted or the lifelong impact on survivors.

We call on the Oklahoma State Legislature to urgently amend the Youthful Offender Act to exclude violent sexual felonies from eligibility. This change would protect future victims, support survivors, and ensure that the law reflects the seriousness of these crimes, regardless of age.

This case shook a community. Let’s make sure it leads to real change.