Texas Defense Firm | August 22, 2023 | Sex Crimes
Cheer, the Netflix six-part docuseries that aired in January 2020, follows a cheer team from Navarro College preparing for the annual National Cheerleading Championship. It captures the highs and lows of being a competitive cheerleader and what it takes to win. Unfortunately, some stars of the show are now facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to federal prosecutors, 21-year-old Jerry Harris was arrested for producing child pornography. Court documents claimed that he solicited pornographic videos and images of children from two 14-year-old boys. One of the boys also alleged that Harris solicited him for oral sex while they were both at a cheerleading event. Harris has been in jail since his arrest in September 2020 and pleaded not guilty on December 17 to seven charges. If convicted, he could face between 15 and 30 years in federal prison.
Two More Cheer Stars Arrested for Sex Crimes Involving Minors
With the Netflix show already facing backlash for the initial accusations and subsequent arrest of Harris, it has taken another hit with two more arrests. Mitchell Ryan, another former member of the cheer team, was arrested on February 3 for an incident allegedly occurring on July 24, 2020. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department booked him into jail on February 4, and he was released two days later after posting his $50,000 bond. Ryan is facing charges of felony aggravated assault of a child.
Robert Joseph Scianna Jr., choreographer and coach, appeared in one episode of Cheer and was also arrested on February 3. According to investigators, Scianna allegedly met a young boy through social media and planned on meeting him in person to have sex. He is facing charges of using an electronic communication device to solicit sex and taking indecent liberties with a child. According to Chesterfield police, Scianna is in Chesterfield County Jail being held without bond.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Texas Defense Firm for Help Today
The criminal defense lawyers of Texas Defense Firm are ready to fight for your rights and secure your freedom and future. When you’re facing a possible conviction of a sex crime, it can taint your reputation and upend every part of your life. You could lose your job, family, and friends. You might also end up behind bars and be forced to register as a sex offender upon your release. It’s a stressful and overwhelming experience, and we want to help you through it.
When you hire Texas Defense Firm, we will thoroughly investigate your case and determine the right legal strategy to fight the charges against you. We have the experience and resources to gather evidence, locate eyewitnesses, and argue against the prosecution’s theories. We will work diligently to prove your innocence and get your case dismissed. You deserve to have someone on your side who will go to battle for you. You will be our top priority as we’re trying to reach a favorable outcome in your case.
If you were arrested or charged with a sex crime or need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend you against another charge, call Texas Defense Firm at (972) 369-0577 immediately. We will meet with you for a initial consultation to discuss your case.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in McKinney or Dallas and need legal help, contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Texas Defense Firm. Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
We proudly serve Collin, Denton, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Texas Defense Firm – McKinney Office
7300 State Highway 121 Suite 400
McKinney TX 75070
(972) 369-0577
Available 24/7
Texas Defense Firm – Dallas Office
4100 Alpha Rd Suite 476
Dallas TX 75244
(469) 772-9509
Available 24/7