Drake Bell Sentenced To Two Years Probation Over Child Endangerment Charges, Jams Live On Instagram With His Son Hours Later

Former Drake and Josh star Drake Bell has been sentenced to two years probation at a court in Cleveland following a guilty plea late last month in regards to charges of child endangerment and disseminating harmful material to juveniles. The entire Zoom sentencing was made available publicly on YouTube.

Before sentencing, the actor and musician told the court that he would accept the plea because his conduct was "wrong" and apologized to the now 19-year-old victim for any harm he caused her. The victim, who claimed to be one of Bell's biggest fans at the time, claimed Bell started grooming her at 12 years old, and things became "blatantly sexual" three years later at 15.

According to Bell's lawyer, the musician did not send any sexual photographs to the victim, and the exact details of the exchanges were left vague. Bell and the victim's relationship began online, but allegedly went a step further when he invited her to a number of concerts in Cleveland after she turned 15.

Hours after news of the sentencing broke, Bell went live on Instagram, where he jammed with his followers while his son sat on his lap. Bell only announced the fact that he had a wife and son this month.

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A post shared by Drake Campana (@drakebell)

The sentencing has left a sour taste in a lot of mouths, as many believe two years' probation is far too tame a punishment for someone found guilty of child endangerment. In related news, former Cory In The House star Kyle Massey has a warrant out for his arrest after failing to show up to a court date regarding a similar child endangerment case.

All of us finding out Drake Bell only got 2 years probation pic.twitter.com/Y52fl6N4qh

— A Blessing (@BLM_004) July 12, 2021

So Drake Bell is getting probation but Kyle Massey getting possible 20+ years? Chile imma just look the other way until the criminal justice system starts doing better. pic.twitter.com/LZIWSTSBih

— Tyson (@itstysonbaby) July 12, 2021

Drake Bell got two years of probation for grooming and sexually assaulting a minor but there are still people serving sentences for weed in legal states. Make it make sense.

— alex (@barelyyalex) July 12, 2021

Drake Bell only received two years of probation… that’s ridiculous

— Katherine💕 (@dancendcupcake) July 12, 2021