Representative Scott Fetgatter

R

District 16

Hi, I'm Scott Fetgatter and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 16th District.


representative

Leadership

Tribal & External Affairs

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 11, 2024
Recent Posts

Fetgatter Advances Legislation to Strengthen Laws Against Sex Offenders

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today secured passed of a bill to establish stricter laws for convicted sex offenders following a tragedy in Henryetta last May. House Bill 3992 would require individuals convicted of rape in the first degree, child sexual abuse, lewd or indecent proposals to a child, child pornography or aggravated child pornography, child prostitution, or human trafficking of a minor for commercial sex to serve 100 % of any sentence imposed. Under the measure, a person convicted of human trafficking of a person under the age of 18 for commercial sex, child sexual abuse, procuring a minor for child pornography or possession of child pornography, child prostitution, or rape in the first be punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole. "House Bill 3992 ensures that those convicted of these despicable acts face the full weight of the law, leaving no room for compromise on public safety," Fetgatter said. "With this measure, we are sending a resounding message: there is no tolerance for the exploitation and harm of our children and citizens." HB3992 would create a rebuttable presumption that no condition of release would assure the communities' safety if the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the person, at the time of the offense, was a registered sex offender and was arrested for a sex crime. Earned credits would not be applied to inmates serving sentences for rape in the first degree, child sexual abuse, child pornography or aggravated child pornography, child prostitution, or human trafficking. After the discovery last May of seven bodies in Henryetta believed to be those of a convicted rapist, his wife, stepchildren, and two unrelated teenage girls, Fetgatter said it's time to pursue a stronger law. He named HB3992 "Knight's Law" after the Henryetta High School's mascot. "In the wake of the devastating tragedy in Henryetta, we need to establish stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of our communities," Fetgatter said. "These events have caused immense pain and sorrow, leaving our community in a state of shock and grief. No other Oklahoman should suffer a tragedy as brutal and devastating as this." Last May, convicted rapist and registered sex offender Jesse McFadden, 39, was found dead in Henryetta, which is located within Fetgatter's House district. McFadden was facing additional sex crime charges for allegedly soliciting sexual conduct/communication with a minor by use of technology while he was still in prison. He was scheduled to be in court on these charges on May 1, 2023. When he failed to appear, authorities issued a bench warrant and went looking for him, instead finding him and six others dead. Among the deceased were Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 15, both of Henryetta. The four other victims were Holley McFadden, who was married to Jesse McFadden, and Rylee Elizabeth Allen, 17, Michael James Mayo, 15, and Tiffany Dore Guess, 13. HB3992 passed the House 84 - 8 and is now available for consideration in the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville. 

May 3, 2023
Recent Posts

Fetgatter to Initiate Protection Law after Henryetta Tragedy

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, in 2019 secured passage of a law to protect sexual assault victims from their predators. He's now pursuing legislation to better protect potential victims.   House Bill 1881 was named Kaylee's Law after a constituent in Fetgatter's House District 16. It directs the courts to issue orders of no contact from people convicted of sexual abuse or exploitation crimes to their victims. It was named for a young woman who received a birthday card, pictures and newspaper clippings talking about how beautiful she'd grown up to be from the man accused of sexually assaulting her while he was serving time in prison.   After this week's news of the horrific finding of seven bodies in Henryetta believed to be those of a convicted rapist, his wife and stepchildren and two unrelated teenage girls, Fetgatter said it is time he pursues a stronger law. This one must not only protect victims but potential victims as well, he said.   "I've moved from the initial grief and overwhelming sorrow I felt on learning the news of this terrible crime," Fetgatter said. "Now I'm angry. I'm furious this man was ever let out of prison with his conviction of rape and new charges of sexually soliciting a minor while he was still in state custody."   Fetgatter said even though it is the end of the legislative session, he's planning to file last-minute legislation to better protect the public from convicted sexual perpetrators. Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, has pledged to help.   Fetgatter said he's frustrated.   "I've worked on this issue, and yet we're facing what happened in Henryetta," he said. "I want to pass a law that closes any loopholes to keep something like this from ever happening again."   Details of the case are still emerging. In a Wednesday press conference, Law enforcement identified the deceased saying they all died of gunshot wounds.   Found dead near a home in Henryetta in Okmulgee County in Fetgatter's House district was Jesse McFadden, 39, who had served 16 years in prison for conviction of first-degree rape. He was a registered sex offender who was facing additional sex-crime charges for allegedly soliciting sexual conduct/communication with a minor by use of technology while he was still in prison. He was scheduled to be in court on these charges Monday. When he didn't appear, authorities issued a bench warrant and went looking for him. That's when they discovered seven dead. Law enforcement said it looks as if McFadden shot himself in the head.   Also among the deceased were Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 15, both of Henryetta. Four additional victims were found. These were Holly Guess, who was married to Jesse McFadden, and her children Rylee Elizabeth Allen, 17, Michael James Mayo, 15, and Tiffany Dore Guess, 13. 

May 2, 2023
Recent Posts

Rep. Fetgatter Comments on Henryetta Tragedy

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today released the following statement after law enforcement discovered seven bodies at a rural property east of Henryetta in Okmulgee County, including those believed to be missing teenage girls and a man at question in their disappearance.   "Our entire community is in shock and grief and mourning right now as the details of the past 48 hours have emerged revealing the deaths of two teenagers – Ivy Webster and Brittany Brewer – and five others. There are no words to adequately express the depth of pain and sorrow in Henryetta and Okmulgee County. I stand with those mourning during this time of unimaginable trauma and will work alongside to ensure anyone affected has the resources and support they need to get through this very difficult time. I know our local law enforcement and other assisting agencies are working nonstop to find answers to what happened. Henryetta Schools is making grief counselors available to students as needed. I appreciate so much the efforts of all who are assisting those who are grieving and striving to understand exactly what occurred here. I pray that God in his mercy will strengthen us as we seek answers. I pray the memory of this tragedy does not pass without everyone in our state taking note of things we can do to make Oklahoma better and brighter."   Details are still being released in this case, but as of Tuesday afternoon, this is what was known. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Okmulgee County Sheriff reported Monday that seven bodies were found at a home near Henryetta. The medical examiner will have to determine the identity of the bodies found. One is believed to be that of Jesse McFadden who was wanted on a bench warrant after failing to appear in court on charges of child pornography and soliciting sexual conduct/communications with a minor.   Also believed to be among the deceased were two teenage girls, Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 15, who were feared to be with McFadden. Authorities have not released details of the other bodies found.   Fetgatter said he is questioning authorities about why McFadden was not held without bond in his latest charges. He was a registered sex offender who had previously served time in prison for a first-degree rape conviction.