Victim of Jesse Butler speaks out for 1st time after case was dismissed

ABC News

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Video Summary

An Oklahoma teen accused of multiple sexual assaults, including rape by instrumentation and strangulation, received counseling and community service instead of jail time, sparking outrage from victims and advocates.

Kate Sweeney, who says she was repeatedly assaulted by her then-16-year-old boyfriend, Jesse Butler, expressed devastation after a judge dismissed Butler’s criminal case, ruling he had completed his sentence. Butler will not have to register as a sex offender, and his record may be expunged. Sweeney, who is pursuing a civil lawsuit, highlighted the trauma and manipulation she endured, including being choked until unconsciousness, and criticized the perceived leniency of the sentence, stating, "There was no punishment."

Short Highlights

Jesse Butler, accused of rape and strangulation, received counseling and community service, avoiding jail time.
Victim Kate Sweeney expressed outrage, stating the sentence offered "no punishment."
Butler's criminal case was dismissed after the judge found he completed his sentence.
Butler will not have to register as a sex offender and may have his record expunged.
Sweeney is pursuing a civil lawsuit against Butler's family, the city, and the school.
The case highlights concerns about "institutional betrayal" and the justice system's handling of such cases.

Key Details

Teen Accused of Sexual Assault Receives Light Sentence [0:00]

An Oklahoma teen, Jesse Butler, faced national attention for sexual assault allegations.
He was sentenced to counseling and community service, with no jail time.
One victim, Kate Sweeney, shared her experience and the impact of the sentence.

"What made you want to step out of the shadows?"

Victim Recounts Years of Abuse [0:32]

Kate Sweeney, now 18, detailed years of alleged intimate partner violence by Jesse Butler when they were both 16.
She described repeated violent and sexual assaults.
Sweeney stated the experience "flipped my world upside down."

"This has flipped my world upside down and that's not something you can erase."

Arrest and Charges [1:04]

Viral video footage showed Butler's arrest on 11 counts, including rape by instrumentation and sexual battery.
Body camera footage captured his mother reassuring him during the arrest.
Sweeney expressed disbelief at the outcome of the case.

"What is happening with this case is absolutely unreal."

Court Ruling and Sentencing Outrage [1:31]

A judge dismissed Butler's criminal case, finding he completed his sentence, which included zero jail time.
Butler will not have to register as a sex offender, and his lawyers plan to seek record expungement.
Sweeney vehemently disagreed with the sentence, asking, "Do you feel like the punishment fit the crime? Absolutely not."

"There was no punishment."

Relationship Dynamics and Alleged Abuse [2:09]

Sweeney and Butler began dating in high school; she initially perceived him as a "nice Christian boy."
She reported escalating physical and mental abuse and sexual assaults.
Sweeney described feeling manipulated and blaming herself for Butler's actions.

"I thought if I did things just better or if I did this instead of that, that it wouldn't happen."

Chokehold Incident and Forced Filming [3:10]

Sweeney recounted an incident where Butler choked her until she passed out and demanded to film it.
She feared he could kill her and agreed to be filmed to leave a record if she died.
Police found a video on Butler's phone depicting the strangulation.

"He got on top of me and put his hands around me like this and stated that he wanted to watch me pass out."

Second Victim's Account [4:37]

Another classmate, identified as L.S., came forward with similar allegations of strangulation by Butler.
L.S. reported being pinned down, hyperventilating, and suffering neck injuries.
A medical professional reportedly told L.S. she was 30 seconds from dying.

"She was 30 seconds away from dying."

School Officials' Response and Civil Lawsuit [5:16]

The two girls reported the incidents to a school resource officer, who allegedly advised them to "get our story straight."
Sweeney's family filed a civil lawsuit alleging "institutional betrayal" by the school, city, and Butler family.
The school district stated they could not comment on active litigation but prioritized student safety.

"We told them a part of what had happened, like the big events, and really just that we were scared."

Plea Deal and DA's Scathing Response [6:30]

Butler, initially charged as an adult, accepted a no-contest plea deal as a youthful offender.
The previous District Attorney's office cited limited evidence and dating relationship circumstances impacting prosecution.
The newly sworn-in DA called Butler's attorney's claims of innocence "outrageous" and sought federal review.

"Nothing has made my blood boil more."

Victim's Resilience and Future Aspirations [7:35]

Despite her trauma, Kate Sweeney maintained a 4.0 GPA and is pursuing a career as a radiology technologist.
She acknowledged the lasting impact of the events but vowed not to let them hinder her success.
Resources for sexual assault survivors were provided.

"I do think it'll be there with me for the rest of my life, and it's something that will constantly affect me, but I won't let someone's actions keep me from succeeding in the world."