State lawmaker questions court's handling of McFadden bond

By John Dobberstein, Editor

State Rep. Scott Fetgatter said Tuesday he is talking to authorities about why a convicted rapist and registered sex offender was released without bond as he was about to face new charges. 

Jesse McFadden was due to appear in Muskogee County court Monday for the start of his jury trial on charges of soliciting sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography. 

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee

McFadden was convicted in 2003 for first-degree rape, and served nearly 16 years before being released in 2020, according to Oklahoma prison records. 

Authorities discovered the bodies of McFadden, his wife and her three teen-age children Monday afternoon on their property, along with two friends who were present with the family that were also killed.

The identification of the victims is still pending confirmation by a medical examiner. But relatives told KJRH in Tulsa the dead were 35-year-old Holly Guess, McFadden and Holly’s three teen-age children: Michael James Mayo, 15; Rylee Allen, 17; and Tiffany Guess, 13.

Two teens who were visiting – Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 16 – were also found dead on the property. An Amber Alert had been issued for the girls Monday morning after authorities said they had been unheard from and were last seen with McFadden, a convicted sex offender.

"Our entire community is in shock and grief and mourning right now as the details of the past 48 hours have emerged," Fetgatter said. "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 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."

Fetgatter represents District 16, which includes parts of Muskogee, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties.