The allegations against Harris have been reported to at least four other law enforcement agencies in Texas and Florida, records obtained by USA TODAY show.
The accusations against Harris have also been reported to the U.S. All Star Federation, which governs the competitive cheerleading discipline in which Harris and the boys compete. Kristen said she filed two reports with USASF. She said her first report – sent May 15 – garnered only a brief response from USASF Vice President of Membership Amy Clark. She said she did not hear from Clark again until she filed a second report on July 9. Clark set up a call with Kristen for the next day.
During that call, Clark indicated the organization was opening an investigation, according to an audio recording Kristen provided USA TODAY. However, USASF did not suspend Harris from participation in All Star activities until Monday, the same day USA TODAY reported the allegations against Harris. USASF said it could not comment on an ongoing investigation.
If you are an athlete, parent, coach, gym owner or someone else with a connection to cheer, we want to hear your story.
Kristen and the boys filed a lawsuit Monday in Texas against Harris, Varsity, USASF and the Cheer Athletics gym at which Harris has cheered, court records show. In it, the family accuses Harris of sexual misconduct and the cheer organizations of negligence and failures to protect the boys from abuse.
Varsity and USASF declined comment. Cheer Athletics owner Angela Rogers told USA TODAY that Harris has not been affiliated with the gym since March 1. She said she learned of the allegations against him in mid-May and reported them to police. Continue reading “The lawsuit also claims Harris sexually exploited others in the cheer community”