Butler was charged in May 2024, after the Deerfield Police Department received a report of a sexual assault that occurred at a local hotel. Upon responding, officers learned that the victim knew the offender, and witnesses reported observing the attack. Butler subsequently fled to Champaign, where he was located and taken into custody by the Champaign Police Department. 

In April 2025, following a bench trial, Butler was found guilty of two counts of Criminal Sexual Assault, both Class 1 felonies. Due to a prior sexual offense conviction in Cook County in 2007, this most recent conviction statutorily mandated a sentence of natural life in prison. 

During the sentencing hearing, Chief Lauren Walker and ASA Brooke Wanzenberg argued that the defendant has been a sexual predator for almost twenty years and a mandatory life sentence reflects the Illinois legislature’s decision to severely treat those who engage in repetitive conduct of sexual assault.   

After the sentencing, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, “Our first thoughts are always with the survivor of this violent offense. We will support them beyond the close of this case. Next, we are satisfied that the community is safer after this life sentence. Experienced trial prosecutors and police investigators delivered and made sure that this offender faced justice.” 

Butler has been held in the Lake County Jail since he was charged after the State filed a petition to detain and a judge granted that petition. Prior to September 2023, individuals charged with sex crimes were able to post cash bond. Now, under reforms, sex offenders can be detained without the ability to use their cash to be released.