UPDATE: According to NBC 5 Chicago, Cheer star Jerry Harris was denied bail by a federal judge on Friday, Oct. 16.
Sarah Klein, the lawyer for two of the alleged victims, said in a statement, “On behalf of our clients and the other victims of Jerry Harris, we thank the Court for keeping Mr. Harris in custody. This ruling will not only ensure the protection of other children and the community, but it sends the message that the allegations made by our clients and Mr. Harris’s other victims are being taken very seriously. It sends the message that, by coming forward, our clients’ and other victims’ trust in law enforcement and legal systems was well-placed. And this ruling makes absolutely certain that Mr. Harris CANNOT hurt any other children while he awaits trial.”
E! News reached out to Harris’ attorney for comment, but has not heard back.
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Prosecutors are presenting their argument as to why Cheer star Jerry Harris should be detained as he awaits trial.
In court documents obtained by E! News, Chicago federal prosecutors claim the 21-year-old admitted that he “victimized at least 5 to 10 children who are all forever damaged by his criminal conduct.”
“Harris himself admitted in his interview that every time he encountered a child online…Harris sought to meet them in person for a hands on sexual offense,” prosecutors alleged in the court documents. “Harris was often unsuccessful in his attempts, but the persistence shows the danger Harris faces to any child he can reach over the internet.”
Prosecutors argued that Harris “exhibits all the signs of a serial child predator and until he receives significant mental health sex offender treatment, he will remain a danger to any child he encounters, either online or in person.”
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