Alum of Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ arrested for producing child pornography

It is a standard press release like so many others that appear on various Department of Justice websites.  It simply announces that one more individual that has solicited images depicting child pornography form a minor has been arrested.

What makes this one different is that it involves someone with ties to Netflix.

21-year-old Jeremiah Harris of Naperville, Illinois was arrested yesterday on one count of producing child pornography.  He will remain in custody through at least 10:30 Monday morning when he has another hearing scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Harris, "in a voluntary interview with law enforcement on September 14, 2020, Harris admitted to asking Minor 1 to take photographs and videos of Minor 1's penis and buttocks and to send the photos and videos to Harris through Snapchat, knowing that Minor 1 was 13 years old."

The complaint states that not all of the information that has been obtained throughout the course of the investigation has been disclosed within it stating "I have set forth only the fact s that I believe are necessary to establish probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the offense alleged in the complaint."

The complaint details an ongoing relationship between Harris and a two minors from Texas which took place between December 2018 and March 2020 when Harris attempted to sever communications with Minor 1 by stating "I'm sorry for what I've done in the past.  I don't think it's a good idea that we be friends on snap."

USA Today alleges that Harris has admitted to authorities that he was in contact with at least 10 to 15 individuals on Snapchat that he knew to be minors from which he both solicited and received images, and that he had additionally had sex with a 15-year-old at a cheerleading competition in 2019.

At this time, it is not known if additional federal charges will be pursued.

A single charge of production of child pornography carries with it a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with the possibility of up to 30 years.

The federal investigation remains ongoing.  If you believe that you or someone you know was a victim of sexual exploitation by Jeremiah Harris, you are encouraged to call the FBI Chicago Field Office at (312) 421-6700.