Michael Jerome Butler, 37, of Greenville, Alabama, received eight consecutive life terms for a series of violent acts committed in 2022.
The crimes involved the kidnapping, rape, and sodomy of two 17-year-old girls in Prattville, Alabama. Butler, who was on mandatory release from the Alabama Department of Corrections at the time the offenses occurred, pled guilty in April. His sentencing occurred Thursday morning before Autauga County Circuit Judge Joy Pace Booth.
District Attorney CJ Robinson called Butler a “monster” who should not have been released from prison. According to a news release, Robinson underlined that Butler’s incarceration and proper supervision could have avoided the violent crime spree, which included a murder in St. Clair County.
CJ Robinson, the district attorney for Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit, called Butler a “monster” and said he shouldn’t have been on the streets.
“The bottom line is simple…a monster like Michael Butler was in prison for his fourth felony by a court out of south Alabama, but he was released early without an ankle monitor (which was required) and failed to show up for supervision,” Robinson added. “Butler drove to our circuit and began his reign of terror.”
On November 3, 2022, Butler carjacked and kidnapped the two teenage girls, sexually abusing them at gunpoint. Police pursued Butler across state borders to Georgia, where he was charged with additional violent acts before returning to Alabama.
Leeds police officers were able to apprehend Butler after recognizing his vehicle from a lookout alert. A chase occurred, and Butler fled on foot before being caught. Multiple firearms were discovered in his possession.
Butler’s criminal history extends back to 2006 when he was arrested multiple times for property violations. He had been sentenced to ten years in jail for theft in 2017 but was freed early tampafp.com reported.
The case has prompted criticism of prison reform methods, with Robinson emphasizing the risks of early release without proper supervision. He applauded the Prattville Police Department for their efforts in apprehending Butler and the two teenage victims for their bravery in the face of such a horrible experience.