What Drake Bell Victim Said in Her Statement As Actor Sentenced to Two Years Probation

Drake Bell has been given two years probation and a suspended one-year prison sentence after the Drake & Josh actor pleaded guilty to criminal charges involving a minor.

Last month, the musician, 35, pleaded guilty to attempted child endangerment, a fourth-degree felony, and a first-degree misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

In a virtual court appearance in Cleveland on July 12, Drake Bell was officially sentenced to two years probation and 200 hours of community service.

At the sentencing, the victim, who is now aged 19, gave a victim impact statement in which she labeled the former Nickelodeon star a "monster."

"I chose to write this statement because I want justice to be served more than anything," the woman began over Zoom, per Deadline.

"The only time that the defendant has appeared in court in person was on June 3 for his arraignment, which was before the media found out about the case. He has appeared in court today over Zoom instead of appearing in person. This doesn't surprise me and shows what a coward he is, but I am not a coward."

The woman alleged an incident occurred backstage when she was 15 years old, to which Bell seemed surprised and began shaking his head, prompting the woman to say: "Don't look at me like that."

"He told me I was beautiful and boys were stupid," she said, also alleging that when she turned 15, Bell "told [her] to hurry up."

Elsewhere in her statement, the woman said: "I idolized and looked up to him." She accused Bell of grooming her from the age of 12

"He was calculating, he preyed on me and he sexually abused me," she said alleging that he sent her photos of his genitalia.

The woman also said her parents have spent more than $7,000 for her to go to therapy.

"He is a monster and a danger to children. He is sorry he's finally been caught. He committed these crimes with pride, and he can give me that look all he wants but he knows exactly what I'm talking about. My suffering is not for him to brag about or use as leverage about how he's become a good person now that he's a father."

She concluded: "Jared Drake Bell is a pedophile and that is his legacy."

Bell's attorney, Ian Friedman, said during the hearing that his client had "accepted responsibility in this case" by entering his guilty plea but disputed the victim's claims that she and Bell had exchanged explicit photos as he claimed there is no evidence.

Bell did acknowledge engaging in texts of a sexual nature with the girl.

Before receiving his sentencing, Bell issued a short statement to the judge.

"I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong," he said. "I'm sorry that the victim was harmed in any way, but that was obviously not my intention. I have taken this matter very, very seriously. And again, I just want to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions."

The judge decided that Bell "did take advantage" of the victim and that his "position and celebrity status enabled you to nurture this relationship."

"You were able to gain access to this child and you were able to gain the trust of the child," the judge said. "So it's a two-edged sword, your position. I hope you truly are remorseful, I don't know [if you are]."

The judge continued: "There were serious and disturbing allegations made here today but we can't lose focus on what he pled to. He did not plead to sexual misconduct.

"However, a grown man does not engage in inappropriate text messages to a teenager," he said.

The judge added that Bell has already suffered "loss of employment," and has had his reputation damaged.

In a statement issued after the sentencing, Bell's attorney said: "Today's plea and sentence reflect conduct for which Mr. Bell did accept responsibility. The victim's allegations that went beyond that which all parties agreed, not only lack supporting evidence but are contradicted by the facts learned through extensive investigation."

Friedman added: "As the court made clear, this plea was never about sexual misconduct or sexual relations with any person, let alone a minor. Sexual registration was not imposed as Mr. Bell did not plead guilty to any such offense. Drake and his family are relieved to have this matter behind them. He looks forward to, once again, performing for all of his supportive fans around the world."