Former Nickelodeon actor Drake Bell, most notable of Drake and Josh fame, has been sentenced to two years of probation. As Mamas Uncut previously reported, this sentence comes after Bell pleaded guilty last month to felony attempted child endangerment, as well as, a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
According to the Associated Press, the 35-year-old’s charges are the result of meeting a girl online, who attended “a number of his concerts” when she was just 15 years old. In addition to probation, Bell is also required to complete 200 hours of community service in California.
RELATED: Drake Bell Updates His Plea To Guilty, Faces Prison Time For Attempted Child Endangerment
Before he was sentenced, according to the AP, Bell made a brief statement via Zoom. He said, “I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong. I’m sorry the victim was harmed. It was not my intention.”
Nickelodeon Star Drake Bell Sentenced After Teen Victim Speaks Out About Sexual Encounters
Now 19 years old, Bell’s victim also made a statement. During the hearing, she revealed that Bell began grooming her when she was just 12 years old. She said that she “was definitely one of his biggest fans” and that she, at first, felt loved and protected by him.
However, it was after she turned 15 that she says their messages became “blatantly sexual.” She added that she “would have done anything for” Bell and even though their conversation left her feeling uncomfortable, she felt trapped because she “idolized” him.
The AP reports that she went on to say Drake Bell went as far as to share explicit photos with her and engaged in sexual conduct with her on several occasions, including concert venues. The teen now looks at Bell as a “pedophile” and a “coward.”
Nonetheless, despite pleading guilty to felony attempted child endangerment, as well as, a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, Bell’s attorney, Ian Friedman, said there were no explicit photos shared between the two people, nor was there sexual contact.
“There is already a greater penalty paid by Mr. Bell that others would not face because of his position,” Freedman alleged. The victim first notified Toronto police of Bell’s actions in October 2018.
Before handing down the sentence, according to the AP, Judge McCormick said that while he heard “a lot of serious and disturbing allegations,” he had to focus on what was pled to” when deciding on Drake Bell’s fate. “The fact of the matter is your position and celebrity status let you nurture this relationship,” McCormick said to Bell. “You were able to gain access to this child.”
Despite all of this, Bell has maintained a presence on social media.