Cheer Star Jerry Harris Apologizes to Sex Abuse Victims After Being Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

Cheer star Jerry Harris was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Wednesday on sex abuse charges. Harris, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct in February.

After the sentencing hearing, E! News obtained a transcript from Harris's lawyers of the reality star's courtroom apology.

"To my victims, I am sorry for all the trauma my abuse has caused you," Harris said. "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."

He added, "I do not deserve forgiveness, but I do pray that one day you might find it in your hearts."

Harris told the judge that he hopes the court can "see me for the human being that I am and not just someone who committed terrible crimes." He went on to say he's been "unfairly judged for most of my life," but in this case, the "anger and judgement are deserved."

Harris was arrested in September 2020 and has been held at Chicago's Metropolitan Correctional Center since that time. He told the court, "These past 22 months have been a time of reflection and self-discovery for me. Much of it has been incredibly painful. My journey is not done though. I have a lot left to give and atone for. My only request is that you try and see me for the person I am and not just someone who selfishly harmed others."

After serving his 12 years in prison, Harris will also have eight years of court-supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The Cheer actor previously pleaded guilty to one charge from 2020 in which he offered to send nearly $2,000 to a 17-year-old boy in exchange for "sexually explicit photographs and videos."

One year earlier, Harris traveled from Texas to Florida "for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct" with a 15-year-old boy. He then met the boy in a public bathroom and sexually assaulted him.

According to E! News, Harris also previously admitted to five other sexual abuse counts that are expected to be dropped.

Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.