Jerry Harris hopes to give his victims closure.
In 2020, Harris was arrested after being accused of soliciting explicit photos and videos from a 13-year-old boy. Channel24 reported he’d also travelled to meet with a minor to engage in sexual acts.
In February, the 22-year-old pleaded guilty to two out of seven charges against him in the child sex abuse case.
“To my victims, I am sorry for all the trauma my abuse has caused you,” Harris said, according to a transcript his lawyers sent to E! News.
“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.”
Harris further stated that he hopes their “suffering” ends and that his words provide “needed closure.” The athlete added, “I do not deserve forgiveness, but I do pray that one day you might find it in your hearts.”
Addressing the judge directly, Harris said he hopes the court can “see me for the human being that I am and not just someone who committed terrible crimes.”
He said people have “unfairly judged for most of my life” but acknowledged that, in this situation, “their anger and judgment are deserved.”
