After Jerry Harris’ arrest in 2020, his attorney asked for a modified version of house arrest, with the cooperation of four “custodians” to monitor Harris, per The New York Times. However, prosecutors argued against it, citing that Harris had a pattern of dangerous behavior. The judge considering the pre-trial release decided in favor of the prosecution, stating in court, “I also have found that the defendant lacks control.”
The fifth episode of “Cheer” revealed that Harris’ legal team refused to be interviewed on camera and that he had been in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago since his arrest in September of 2020. In February of 2022, Harris pleaded guilty to two of the seven counts against him, in a plea agreement that stated that the court “may recommend 50 years in prison,” per The New York Times. The remaining charges include three counts of exploitation of minors and one count of enticement.
“Cheer” producers did, however, include a 2019 interview in the episode in which Harris reflected on his childhood and life trajectory. He said, “If I didn’t cheer I would probably have fell to the dark side … I would probably be upset at the world and I would be hurting others because I would be hurt myself.”
His coach Monica Aldama was not in touch with Harris at the time she was interviewed for the season 2 episode “Jerry.” However, she said she received a letter from Harris that shared his hopes for the future, which included becoming a motivational speaker. Aldama told producers that she has not written Harris back.
