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An FBI investigation of Jerry Harris’ sexual misconduct began over 2 years ago. Now, the Cheer alum has pleaded guilty to federal charges against him.
Former Cheer breakout star Jerry Harris has now pleaded guilty to the federal charges he faces for sexual misconduct with minors. Previously, Jerry pled not guilty after being indicted with the charges in December 2020. Allegations of sexual misconduct against Jerry surfaced months after the debut of Cheer’s first season. The FBI began their investigation on the Cheer alum, and Jerry was first arrested and charged with the production of child pornography in September 2020.
Jerry quickly rose to fame once the show gained massive popularity as the world faced the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was known for being a positive light on Navarro’s cheer team and always encouraging teammates with his infamous « mat talk. » Jerry’s charisma led him out of the small Texas town and into the spotlight with the likes of Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey. But his picture-perfect façade began to fade when allegations surfaced of Jerry soliciting sexually explicit photos from minors. Since his September 2020 arrest for these crimes, the 22-year-old has been held without bond as the « judge suggested he would pose a danger to the public if released. » In December 2020, Jerry pled not guilty to seven felony charges against him for various sex crimes involving children. At the time, a spokesperson for Jerry denied all allegations. « We are confident when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed. »
More than two years later, the former reality star reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to two of the seven federal charges, which reverses his original « not-guilty » plea. Jerry told the court « Yes, it’s true, Judge. Yes, I am [guilty], Judge. » New York Times reports the counts he pleaded guilty to involve charges that he persuaded a 17-year-old to send him sexually explicit photos for money and traveled to Florida « for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct » with a 15-year-old. Jerry’s sentencing is scheduled for June 28. He could face anywhere between 5-20 years in prison.
Jerry’s lawyers also released a statement contextualizing the sexual misconduct. Patterns of sexual abuse haunted Jerry as his lawyers stated he had been sexually abused as a child in the world of competitive cheerleading. « There being no safe harbor to discuss his exploitation, Jerry instead masked his trauma and put on the bright face and infectious smile that the world came to know. As we now know, Jerry became an offender himself as an older teenager. »
Netflix’s Cheer marketed itself as a show highlighting cheerleaders with troubled pasts who were saved from the deep end by their love of cheerleading and their Navarro teammates. After seeing the redemption arcs of Morgan, La’Darius, Lexi, and Jerry in season 1, it seemed the college students had bright futures ahead and had overcome their past obstacles. Based on Jerry’s portrayal on the show’s first season, no viewer could’ve predicted the disturbing truths hiding behind beneath the surface. Viewers most likely won’t see Jerry on Cheer again, but will receive an update on his future once the judge determines his sentence.
Source: New York Times
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