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How a convicted rapist got his deal, and a back-door trip through the Stillwater courthouse.
Latest in this investigation · Feb 17, 2026
Jesse Butler was convicted of raping two girls and nearly strangling one to death. He served zero jail time. When a correspondent began asking why, a protective order appeared. This is what accountability looks like when it threatens the wrong people.
Read the latestHow a convicted rapist got his deal, and a back-door trip through the Stillwater courthouse.
Every story, video and filing in this investigation, in order.
A convicted rapist walked free without a single day in jail. Our correspondents went to Stillwater, OK to find out how the Payne County justice system made it happen — and who helped it along.
Sheriff's deputies secretly moved convicted rapist Jesse Butler through a back entrance to avoid accountability questions. Butler received zero jail time despite nearly strangling a victim to death. The confrontation was captured on camera.
Exclusive police footage reveals what Jackie and Mack Butler were really upset about when their son was arrested for raping two girls. Spoiler: it wasn't the crimes. The audio from inside the Stillwater Police Department lobby captures their shocking priorities.
Hearing these kids' stories breaks my heart. From here, Coweta, Stillwater... girls assaulted. I'm tired of crying. Let's meet, find a solution, end this trauma. #StudentStories #EndTheTrauma #FindASolution #Heartbreaking
