In a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 twist to a harrowing case, 18-year-old Jesse M. Butler, who pled no contest to multiple charges of rape and attempted rape, is now facing a federal lawsuit filed by one of his victims. This comes after Butler narrowly avoided prison and received probation due to a controversial youthful offender designation.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, names multiple defendants, including the Stillwater Public School District, Butler’s parents, and school officials. The victim, referred to as LS, alleges that the school failed to protect her and even intimidated her into silence.
Butler’s case has drawn national outrage, particularly after revelations that he recorded himself choking one of his victims until she lost consciousness. The lawsuit claims that LS required surgery to repair her throat due to Butler’s brutal actions.
According to the filing, LS, who is deaf and has an individualized education plan, faced additional challenges in the wake of her 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮. The lawsuit accuses school officials of negligence, claiming they did not investigate Butler’s conduct or take action to protect LS after she reported the 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮.
The 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓸𝓃𝓈 extend to Butler’s family, who are accused of being aware of his violent behavior and failing to intervene. The lawsuit suggests that the Butler family’s connections to local sports programs may have influenced the leniency shown in Butler’s sentencing.
The lawsuit outlines a pattern of harassment that LS endured after reporting Butler. She alleges that Butler and his family engaged in a coordinated campaign to intimidate her and prevent her from speaking out. School resource officers allegedly dismissed her claims and failed to enforce a protective order against Butler.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Selvi family seeks justice not only for LS but also for the emotional distress they have suffered. They have not specified a dollar amount for damages, but their claims exceed the federal threshold of $75,000.
In a parallel legal effort, a victim’s rights attorney is challenging Butler’s youthful offender status, arguing that the plea deal was struck without proper consultation with the victims. This case has reignited discussions about the treatment of 𝒔𝒆𝒙𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒶𝓊𝓁𝓉 victims within the legal system and the potential for accountability for those in power.
Butler’s case remains a focal point of national attention as the community grapples with the implications of the lawsuit and the broader issues of victim rights and school safety. The Selvi family is determined to ensure that LS’s voice is heard and that justice is served.