Michael Jerome Butler, 37, of Greenville, Alabama, received eight consecutive life sentences for a string of violent crimes committed in 2022.
The crimes included 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 of the crimes, pleaded guilty to the charges in April. His sentencing took place Thursday morning before Autauga County Circuit Judge Joy Pace Booth.
District Attorney CJ Robinson condemned Butler as a “monster” who should not have been released from prison.
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Robinson emphasized that the violent crime spree, which also included a murder in St. Clair County, could have been prevented if Butler had remained incarcerated and received proper supervision, according to a press release.
CJ Robinson, district attorney for Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit, described Butler as 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 on his fourth felony by a court out of south Alabama, but was he released early without an ankle monitor (which was required) then failed to show up for supervision,’’ Robinson said. “Butler drove to our circuit and began his reign of terror.”
The Prattville abductions occurred on November 3, 2022, when Butler carjacked and kidnapped the two teenage girls, sexually assaulting them at gunpoint. Police tracked Butler across state lines to Georgia, where he was accused of additional violent crimes, before he returned to Alabama.
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Butler’s capture was facilitated by Leeds police officers, who recognized his vehicle from a lookout bulletin. A chase ensued, ending with Butler fleeing on foot before being apprehended. Multiple guns were found in his possession.
Butler’s criminal history dates back to 2006, with numerous arrests for property crimes. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison for theft in 2017 but was released early.
The case has fueled criticism of prison reform policies, with Robinson highlighting the potential dangers of early release without adequate supervision. He praised the Prattville Police Department for their work in apprehending Butler and commended the two teenage victims for their resilience in the face of such a traumatic ordeal.
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