Jeremiah (Jerry) Harris, best known for his role on “Cheer,” was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to one count each of receiving child pornography and engaging in sexual acts with a minor.
Harris will also face eight years of court-supervised release at the conclusion of his prison sentence, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Joseph D. Fitzpatrick said, according to CNN.
Harris was charged with a seven-count indictment in 2020. But he was originally denied bond for fear he would reoffend. He accepted a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography and to traveling to meet a 15-year-old boy with the intent to engage in sexual relations.
Jerry Harris, star of Netflix’s “Cheer,” has just been sentenced to 12 years behind bars in his child pornography case. https://t.co/xVdqHqsDKE
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 6, 2022
In addition, Harris has also been ordered to pay $35,000 to the AVAA crime victims fund, according to TMZ.
“Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Harris is exceedingly grateful for Judge Shah’s recognition of his humanity, worthiness, rehabilitative potential,” said Harris’ attorney Todd S. Pugh, according to TMZ.
“While Jerry has a difficult road ahead of him, his uncompromising spirit and strength has carried him through challenging times before. He has nothing but empathy and remorse for the people he has harmed and hopes that [the] proceeding provided them some peace,” Pugh continued, according to TMZ. (RELATED: ‘He Picked Out Panties From The Kids Section’: Porn Star Calls Out Convicted Felon And Reality TV Star Josh Duggar’s Sexual Habits)
‘Cheer’ star Jerry Harris sentenced to 12 years in prison in child sex case https://t.co/LjI2dPOb5g
— New York Post (@nypost) July 6, 2022
Harris reportedly expressed feelings of remorse in the courtroom by addressing his victims and speaking about the trauma he caused.
“I am ashamed as I know that I took advantage of your youth and weakness. I was wrong and selfish. I caused you harm and I do not blame anyone. I regret my decisions and I am deeply sorry,” Harris said, according to TMZ.