What Did Jerry Harris Do? ‘Cheer’ Star Pleads Guilty In Child Pornography Case
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On Thursday, former Cheer star Jerry Harris reversed his previous plea in December 2020 by pleading guilty to charges related to his child pornography case.
In conjunction with prosecutors, Harris pleaded guilty to two of seven charges. One was receiving child pornography and using interstate travel as a means of eliciting a sexual act with a minor.
The lawyer for Harris said in a statement to EW that Harris entered a guilty plea. It was “as a statement of remorse and willingness to accept responsibility for his actions.”
Who is Jerry Harris?
A breakout star in the first season of “Cheer,” an Emmy-winning docuseries based on the cheerleading team. From Texas’ Navarro College, Harris burst onto the scene in January 2020.
Last month’s Netflix release of “Cheer,” which did not air until this month, addressed the allegation directly in episode 5, “Jerry”. In the episode, his teammates recalled their shock at hearing about Harris’ arrest. An interview with the twins who first came forward about Harris and their mother was also conducted.
Why Was Jerry Harris Arrested Earlier?
By allegedly cajoling an underage boy, the Illinois native was charged with making sexually explicit videos and photos of himself. Upon Harris’ arrest, two 14-year-old brothers filed a lawsuit on behalf of the brothers, alleging that Harris had sexually exploited and abused them, including soliciting oral sex and threatening “imminent bodily harm without [their consent].”
The boy indicated that Harris reached out to him for the first time on December 18. He informed Harris in a conversation on social media that he was 13 years old at the time. Among the allegations against Harris was that he also made similar requests in relation to the boy’s twin brother.
A lawsuit was filed in Texas against Harris by the brothers and their mother
In announcing the plea, Harris’ attorney Sarah Klein called upon the United States All-Star Federation, Varsity Spirit, and Cheer Athletics. There were other organizations in which the brothers are involved, to conduct a thorough investigation.
Following the plea hearing, an attorney for the brothers expressed their gratitude to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for investigating the case, identifying additional victims, and going to court.
In a statement, attorney Sarah Klein said that Jerry Harris’ guilt had now been established. She said that we now call upon the authorities to investigate the United States All-Star Federation, Varsity Spirit, and Cheer Athletics, in order to find out which officers, employees, or representatives could have prevented Harris’ abuse and failed to do so.
Despite the pain and grief my two sons have suffered as a result of speaking out, the plea gives me hope that they have not wasted their time, said the mother of the two boys.
Todd Pugh, Harris’s attorney, stated shortly after the hearing that Harris wanted to show remorse for the harm he had caused the victims in this case. He publicly expressed his regrets, claiming that Harris was a victim of sexual abuse as well.
The federal prison where Harris is currently housed has been his home since his arrest. As a result of his trauma disorders, he sought treatment for those disorders during that period, his attorney said.
Pugh said that Harris will spend the rest of his life making amends for his actions.
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Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
