Love & Hip-Hop’s Mendeecees Harris Sentenced to 8 Years for Drug Trafficking

We all knew his sentencing day would come, but it’s always devastating when a loved one is sent to prison.

VH1’s popular reality show, Love & Hip Hop New York, will have to visit federal prison if it plans to keep Mendeecees Harris on the show.

Harris, one of the stars of the show, was sentenced to 97 months Tuesday for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that authorities say shipped large amounts of cocaine and heroin from downstate New York to the Rochester region.

With his wife, Yandy Smith, sitting in court, snuggling their 10-month-old daughter, Skylar, beneath a pink blanket, 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 the plotline on Love & Hip Hop New York, which follows New York City residents trying to make a mark in the hip-hop music industry. 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.

Click HERE to read more!

Mendeecees spoke about his sentencing via Instagram

“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.”

Prayers sent up for Yandy and her family during this sad time.