March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 49 F

Odenton contractor sentenced to 15 years in prison

Wes Adams
Wes Adams
Wes Adams, Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney

Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams announced  that Jason Tyler Butler, of Odenton, was given a 15-year sentence from District Court Judge Eileen A. Reilly on charges of two violations of probation in failing to comply with a peace order, issuing false documentation, and felony theft. Butler pled guilty on July 28th, 2015.

“For 17 years, Mr. Butler has skirted accountability in our criminal justice system,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams. “Mr. Butler is an example of an everyday criminal who revolves through the court system and threatens the quality of life for our citizens,” said Adams.

Mr. Butler was hired by Leigh Lawson, also of Odenton, as a contractor to do work on her home. Mr. Butler gained Ms. Lawson’s trust and access to her home and office. Over the course of approximately 7 months, he stole and pawned tens of thousands of dollars of family heirlooms and valuables that were handed down over multiple generations to Ms. Lawson, some of which included her grandmother’s engagement ring, as well as her father’s wedding band and class ring. Mr. Butler also stole checks of Ms. Lawson and attempted to forge her signature and cash the checks. Mr. Butler sold Ms. Lawson’s property valued at $29,850. Ms. Lawson told prosecutors that she feared for her well-being, especially when he was abusing drugs.

Butler is no stranger to the justice system with a criminal record stemming back to 1998, including charges of malicious destruction of property, theft, drug possession, and burglary.  Mr. Butler has continuously violated court orders with 7 violations of probation.

“I am proud of the efforts of my prosecutor and his team, to finally bring the actions of this criminal to a halt,” said Adams. “I commend Judge Reilly for recognizing the threat that this defendant presents to Anne Arundel County residents.”

The victim in the case, Leigh Lawson, wished for this statement to be shared in today’s media alert:

“I am relieved. I can carry on finally with my life without having to be scared and victimized. I can carry on with my work, my life, and can focus again. The State’s Attorney’s Office is incredibly compassionate, understanding, and eloquent with their words in court – not just that but their professionalism and deep knowledge of the law. Assistant State’s Attorney James Tuomey, the lead lawyer on my case, was so thorough and compassionate with me. I was embarrassed to even talk about it, but if anyone out there is a victim, they should come forward. Wes Adams’ office made sure I was comforted along the way. Likewise, Sheriff Bateman and the County Detectives and Police were ever so diligent.”

“Our office serves victims,” said Adams. “A victim should always feel safe stepping forward to share their story with the well-trained prosecutors in my office. My office is determined to hold assailants accountable and deliver justice to the victim.”

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