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He also has to perform 200 hours of community service.
I think about these crimes every single day.
I feel like Im in a constant dark place.
Sometimes I wish I could disappear so I can forget about what happened.
I would have done anything for him.
When she was 11, she learned that her aunt had a mutual friend with Bell.
I adored him, and he instantly made me feel that he adored me right back.
The aunt took her to meet Bell and spend time with him many times, the victim said.
I confided in him about very personal things about myself, including my struggle with my mental health.
I went to him for advice and for someone to lean on.
In the summer of 2017, she messaged Bell, saying she was going to one of his concerts.
He replied by telling me that he couldnt wait to see me.
He also asked me, quote, How old are you now?
I told him 15.
He then told me to, quote, Hurry up …
Shortly thereafter, the victim said, Bells messages became blatantly sexual.
She said they sent each other explicit photographs and alleged that they engaged in sexual contact on several occasions.
(Bell did not plead guilty to charges involving allegations of sexual contact with a minor.
Dont look at me like that, she said at one point.
Weve seen it many times.
A large part of Friedmans argument in favor of a lighter sentence was that Bell had already suffered.
So this is something thats going to tag him and follow him around.
Im sorry that the victim was harmed in any way, but that was obviously not my intention.
I have taken this matter very, very seriously.
Your position and celebrity status enabled you to nurture this relationship.
You were able to gain access to this child.
You were able to gain the trust of this child.
I hope you truly are remorseful.
Bell was the star ofDrake & Joshwith Josh Peck from 2004 to 2007.
In August 2020, Bells ex-girlfriend Melissa Lingafeltmade allegations of physical and verbal abuse against him.
Bell claimed toPeoplethat he had never abused Lingafelt, who performs music under thename Jimi Ono.
I hope this message reaches young girls and that no one has to go through what I did.
