CHICAGO — Jerry Harris, the breakout star from Netflix’s cheerleading documentary “Cheer,” has been charged in federal court with production of child pornography.
According to the complaint filed in federal court Thursday, Harris contacted an underage boy on social media and repeatedly enticed him to produce sexually explicit videos and photographs of himself and send them to Harris.
The minor victim informed Harris during their initial online encounter that he was 13 years old, the complaint said.
Harris, 21, is expected to make a court appearance in Chicago Thursday.
The victim’s family in the case released the following statement:
“We are grateful that the U.S. Attorney and the FBI have taken swift action to protect children by investigating, arresting and charging Jerry Harris. This was made possible because our clients’ mother had the courage to report Harris to the FBI as well as the Fort Worth Police Department and provided evidentiary proof of the manipulation, sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation that her sons had suffered. We urge the authorities to undertake a thorough investigation of the United States All Star Federation, Varsity Spirit, and Cheer Athletics to determine which of their executives, employees, and representatives could have stopped Harris’ abuse and failed to do so.”
Sarah Klein of Manly, Stewart & Finaldi
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.