STILLWATER, Okla. — A victim in the Jesse Butler case is asking a Payne County court to enforce Marsy's Law in all criminal hearings to protect future victims from experiencing what she went through.
Marsy's Law is a state constitutional amendment giving crime victims specific legal rights, including the right to be informed, present, and heard throughout the court process.
The victim's mother filed a motion in December, arguing that the process violated her daughter's rights. The victim and her mother said meetings took place with the Payne County District Attorney’s office, but lawyers did not include them in the discussion of the next steps, just told them the outcome.
WATCH: Victim in Jesse Butler rape case takes stand, says rights were violated:
One of Jesse Butler's victims testified. She said Payne County District Attorney Laura Thomas and Assistant District Attorney Debra Vincent told her and another victim that Butler took a no contest plea just 15 minutes before the scheduled hearing.
Previous Coverage>>>Jesse Butler returns to court, judge rules victim's constitutional rights were violated
The victim did not give a victim impact statement during Butler's sentencing, "I wasn’t in the right headspace."
Butler pleaded no contest to 10 rape-related charges in 2025, but received no jail time in part due to the plea deal.
The victim, on the stand for two hours, testified about how she felt during her discussions with the D.A.’s office.
“I did not feel safe,” the victim said.
She said she wants to “be heard,” and “make a change” for future victims.
Previous coverage>>>'We're done': Oklahomans protest Jesse Butler plea deal
Oklahoma State Rep. Justin Humphrey said it is the district attorney's job to represent the victims, not the other way around.
"The victim’s outta have a say-so in their cases. They are the ones that have the most say so. The D.A.’s job is to represent those victims," Humphrey said. “It’s a slap in the face. It's a slap in the face to every victim. These people, I'm glad she's retiring and I hope we continue to go look into her office because I believe there are gonna be a lot of things that are illegal, corrupt. We've got a lot of evidence,” Humphrey said.
The state argued they have done just that. During cross-examination, the state argued there held several meetings to discuss the charges and a potential plea deal. Prosecutors said the victim and the victim’s mother got notified about scheduled hearings.
The victims agreed not to modify Butler's sentencing if the motion is passed.
Butler was not in court, but his attorneys were present. The hearing continues Tuesday, April 14, at 9 a.m. at the Payne County Courthouse.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
