Celebs

Jerry Harris—Breakout Star Of Netflix’s “Cheer”—Under FBI Investigation For Allegedly Soliciting Sex From Minors

#Roommates, at the beginning of the year before coronavirus came and changed everything, everyone was obsessed with the Emmy-nominated Netflix docuseries, “Cheer”—and cheerleader Jerry Harris quickly became the breakout star. Now, Jerry has found himself in the middle of some very serious allegations, as he is currently under FBI investigation for soliciting sex from a minor.

@USAToday reports, the FBI is officially investigating multiple allegations that one of the stars of Netflix’s “Cheer,” Jerry Harris, allegedly solicited sexually explicit photos and sex from minors. FBI agents recently executed a search warrant at a home in Naperville, Illinois, as part of that investigation. “The FBI is conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity in the area,” Siobhan Johnson, FBI special agent and public affairs officer, said in a statement. “Cheer” is nominated for six Emmy awards at this year’s ceremony.

The criminal investigation is based on allegations against Jerry Harris that were reported separately to police by Varsity Brands, a private company that dominates the cheerleading industry and handles everything from uniform sales to major competitions. In letters to police in Florida and Texas dated August 1st, Varsity’s chief legal officer, Burton Brillhart, said the company learned of “inappropriate sexual conduct” allegations against Harris and  reported the information to authorities as required by law. “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,” he wrote.

Brillhart also included two screenshots in his communication with law enforcement. In one, which was a Snapchat message, a picture of what appears to be Harris’ face is labeled with the message, “Would you ever want to ****”. The other screenshot, which is a series of text messages, chronicles an exchange that began on Friday, May 3, 2019, when an individual named “Jerry Harris” wrote, “Hey btw I found a place for us to do stuff it’s actually pretty good haha.”

Brillhart’s letters describe Harris as a former employee who was not working for Varsity at the time of the incidents. In May 2019, Harris posted on social media that he was working for the National Cheerleaders Association, a Varsity brand. That summer, he posted photos and videos of himself coaching athletes at NCA camps.

At this time, Jerry Harris has not been charged with anything and Netflix has not responded to the allegations.

 

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Danielle Jennings