‘Love & Hip-Hop NY’ Mendeecees Harris Sentenced to 8 Years on Drug Trafficking Charges; Releases Statement

Love & Hip Hop New York star, Mendeecees Harris was sentenced to 97-months in federal prison on Tuesday for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that authorities say shipped large amounts of cocaine and heroin to Rochester, New York.

With his wife, Yandy Smith, sitting in court, snuggling their 10-month-old daughter, Skylar, Harris apologized in court “for any trouble I have caused the city of Rochester.”

At sentencing, Harris, 37, said he grew up fatherless in a tough neighborhood and stepped into the drug trade. But he said his children — he has four — have been his recent motivation to now stay away from crime.“Ever since (having children), I’ve been trying to right my wrongs,” he told U.S. District Judge Frank Geraci Jr. at the sentencing.

Harris’ criminal ordeal became part of his storyline on Love & Hip Hop New York. Smith has been a breakout star on the show, managing a hip-hop artist and starting a fashion line. This year, Smith and Harris wed in a special live showing of the reality show.

Even then, the specter of prison time loomed for Harris. He pleaded guilty in April to the trafficking conspiracy. At that time, he was free on bail, having agreed to pay over his earnings from the show and from paid public appearances to the federal government. To date, he has sacrificed about $170,000.

Harris already had served 15-months before he was released on bail. With good behavior, he could have five to six years of incarceration remaining, and that could be reduced with some changes now under consideration in sentences for drug-connected crimes.

The judge allowed Harris to remain free until the federal Bureau of Prisons tells him where he will be incarcerated and when to turn himself in.

Harris released the following statement on his Instagram page after the sentencing,

I want you all to understand something. I completely accept responsibility for all that is going on. My transition to be a better person a productive person started well before this case. However in my past I made some bad decisions. Young men let my life be an example to you now before it’s too late. Better who you are now in your children’s lives and in society so you can change the path of your fate. Lack of opportunities, a fatherless home, the unforgiven neighborhood and circumstances you grew up in can no longer be your excuse. Trust me I tried. And it doesn’t make the pain your family feels any different. Young man educate your self and break the cycle. Don’t become a number on the DOA (dead on arrival) list or on the incarceration list. To my wife and children you are all strong and well prepared for this. This is just another brick laid down towards our house of happily ever after , walk with your head held high knowing I would never past the buck and put another family through what we have endured. Continue to walk in faith and love as you’ve done so well. To my peoples thank you for all the encouragement and support please continue to encourage my family. Thank you again all.

A photo posted by Mendeecees Harris (@mendeecees) on Dec 1, 2015 at 11:49am PST

Yandy Smith said after the sentencing that the court hearing was bittersweet. Harris will not be home with the children, but she and they will travel to wherever he is jailed to see him, she said.

 

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