Here’s everything we know about the arrest of Jerry Harris from Cheer

Jerry Harris, one of the stars of the Netflix original docuseries Cheer, is under investigation for allegations of soliciting sexually explicit photos and sex from minors.

Yesterday, Harris was arrested and charged with the production of child pornography.

The allegation and arrest has shocked many Cheer fans, as Harris rose to fame for being one of the most lovable cheerleaders on the Navarro Cheer team. Here is everything we know about the case so far.

Allegations were made by 14 year old twins that Jerry Harris had solicited them for sex and explicit photos

The investigation is based on allegations brought forward by 14-year-old twin brothers who reported that Jerry Harris solicited them for sex and sexually explicit photos. The brothers told USA Today that they had experienced a pattern of harassment from Jerry, both online and at cheer competitions, since they were 13 years old and Harris was 19.

The claims were put forward by Varsity Brand, a cheerleading company that Harris had worked with. In letters to the police, Varsity’s chief legal officer Burton Brillhart said the company was made aware of “inappropriate sexual conduct” allegations against Jerry.

Jerry’s representatives denied the claims

Based on theses claims, the FBI executed a search warrant at Jerry’s home in Naperville, Illinois, on Monday. This was when a rep for Jerry Harris told Variety: “We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager.”

The spokesperson said: “We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed.”

Since the allegations began, the authorities interviewed other minors about Jerry’s conduct according to court records.

Jerry Harris has been barred from Varsity Brands

USA Today reported that Burton Brillhart said that Harris would now be banned from the brand, writing in a letter: “As a result of the recent allegation, we have barred this person from having any affiliation with Varsity Brands or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, now and in the future”.

Brillhart also described Harris as a former employee, who was not working for Varsity at the time of the alleged incidents.

Screenshots of the alleged solicitation were shown in court documents

In court documents, screenshots came out which show a number saved in one of the boys’ phone as “Jerry Harris” and a message from him saying “Hey btw I found a place for us to do stuff it’s actually pretty good haha”.

A Snapchat message, allegedly from Harris, was also shown in the documents. The screenshot showed a shot of Harris’s face with the message: “Would you ever want to fuck?”

Harris has been charged with the production of child pornography

It was reported by The Mirror yesterday that Jerry was charged in a federal court in Chicago and has been charged with child abuse pictures. Harris is accused of soliciting images from the minor from December 2018 to March 2020.

Harris could now be facing a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison on the charge of production of child pornography, and a maximum of 30.

According to a BBC News report, Harris did not enter a plea and it will be decided at a hearing on Monday whether he will stay in custody or be released on bail.

He will remain detained until Monday.

Netflix has released a statement about the arrest of Jerry Harris

On Thursday afternoon, Netflix released a statement over the allegations, telling ABC News Chicago: “Like everyone we are shocked by this news. Any abuse of minors is a terrible crime and we respect the legal process.”

Cheer coach Monica has spoken out

Monica Aldama, the long standing coach to the Navarro Cheer team and Harris’ ex-coach, has spoken out about the charges on Twitter in support of the victims.

She tweeted: “My heart is shattered into a million pieces. I am devastated by this shocking, unexpected news. Our children must be protected from abuse and exploitation, and I’m praying hard for the victims & everyone affected. Please respect our privacy as our family mourns during this time.”

 

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