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Jared Cash Butterfield Has Additional Charges Added
Russ Survance
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:37:17 EST
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In a dramatic preliminary examination Thursday, the case of Michigan versus Jared Cash Butterfield unfolded with intense testimony and sharp legal debate. Butterfield in court, faces a litany of felony charges, including assault with intent to do great bodily harm, domestic violence, and multiple felony firearm counts.
The alleged victim detailed a harrowing account of a relationship that turned violent. She testified to being repeatedly assaulted, choked to the point of fearing for her life, and subjected to a non-consensual sexual act. She also claimed the defendant possessed a gun and knife, pacing around his mothers home with the firearm, after the assaults.
However, the defense vigorously challenged the victims credibility, highlighting significant inconsistencies in her statements to police and hospital staff. The defense attorney pointed out delays in identifying Butterfield as her assailant, and the late disclosure of critical allegations, particularly the claim of criminal sexual conduct, which they called an "unfair surprise." The defense also questioned whether the relationship met the legal definition of a "dating relationship" required for domestic violence charges, describing it instead as a casual sexual encounter.
The prosecution, in turn, moved to add two new felony counts: a second charge of assault by strangulation and criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, citing the victims testimony.
The court recessed to review the evidence and arguments, with a decision on which charges will proceed.
The judge has bound over Jared Cash Butterfield on multiple felony charges, including assault, domestic violence, felony firearm, and possession by a prohibited person. The court found probable cause for these eight counts following a preliminary examination.
However, a decision on a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge has been temporarily delayed. The judge deferred that determination, citing incomplete discovery, and has ordered the prosecution to provide all necessary information to the defense. A status conference is set for two weeks to address the discovery issue.
During the contentious bond hearing, defense attorneys argued that Butterfield's $100,000 cash or surety bond was effectively a "no-bond" due to his inability to pay, proposing alternatives like GPS monitoring and a reduced bond of $10,000. The prosecution countered, highlighting Butterfield's extensive criminal history and a pattern of offenses committed while under supervision, urging the court to increase the bond to $250,000 for public safety.
Ultimately, the court maintained the $100,000 bond, emphasizing community interest. Butterfield is scheduled for a circuit court arraignment on the bound-over charges on Monday, March 23rd, at 11 AM.
