Jerry Harris — who rose to fame on Netflix’s “Cheer” — was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in federal prison in his child sex chase.
According to TMZ, the 22-year-old former cheerleader was in court for his sentencing as friends and supporters read statements before the judge decided his fate.
In February, Harris issued a guilty plea in his sex crime case that alleged he solicited sex from teen boys at cheerleading competitions. At the time, Harris’ lawyers said that he wanted to “take responsibility for his actions and publicly convey his remorse for the harm he has caused the victims.”
Harris faced up to 50 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The Post has reached out to Harris’ representatives for comment.
In September 2020, Harris was arrested and charged with one count of producing child pornography but allegedly admitted to receiving X-rated photos from “at least between 10-15 other individuals he knew were minors,” according to a complaint filed by the US Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Jerry Harris — who rose to fame on Netflix’s “Cheer” — was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in federal prison in his child sex case.Getty Images
Jerry Harris was a fan-favorite athlete, known for his bubbly personality and “mat talk” on season one of Netflix’s “Cheer” Getty ImagesThe hit Netflix docuseries addressed the allegations during its second season in an episode titled “Jerry,” which included interviews with two twin boys, Charlie and Sam, and their mother, Kristen.
The twins, who are competitive cheerleaders from Texas, said the alleged abuse began when they were around 13 and Harris was 19 — and that it lasted for more than a year.
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Prosecutors allege that Harris started soliciting photos from one of the boys in late 2018.
“Jerry Harris’ guilt has been firmly established,” Manly, Stewart & Finaldi law firm told The Press on Wednesday on the family’s behalf.
“The sentence he received reflects the severity of his crimes and the lifetime of pain his victims will suffer. This was made possible because our clients’ mother, Kristen, initially had the courage to report Harris to the FBI and provided evidentiary proof of the manipulation, sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation that her sons had suffered. The US Attorney’s office deserves credit for their diligent and effective prosecution.”
“Our clients, Charlie and Sam demonstrated tremendous courage in sharing their painful experiences with prosecutors and the public. Their sacrifice will protect children they have never met,” the firm concluded.
Harris was a fan-favorite athlete — known for his bubbly personality and “mat talk” in Season 1 of “Cheer.”
