Mendeecees Harris Arrested had been a subject of speculation due to his alleged involvement in drug trafficking over several years.
Mendeecees Harris, born on October 26, 1978, in Harlem, New York, is a multi-faceted individual known for his involvement in various business ventures and appearances on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York.
Harris, who hails from a Panamanian heritage, had a challenging upbringing being raised by a single mother, Judy.
Harris owned a recording studio called Beat Factory Studio in the Bronx and had a successful stint as a real estate developer before transitioning to the music industry.
However, his time on Love & Hip Hop: New York garnered him widespread recognition. Appearing in multiple seasons, Harris formed a relationship with fellow cast member Yandy Smith, and his mother, Judy, also made appearances on the show.
Alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits, Harris is known for his dedication to helping less fortunate children, drawing from his experiences to guide them toward positive choices and personal growth.
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Why Was Mendeecees Harris Arrested? Charges And Case Update
Mendeecees Harris, a prominent cast member of the VH1 reality show “Love & Hip Hop,” received a sobering sentence in 2015 as he was handed an eight-year prison term for his involvement in drug trafficking.
Harris, who also served as a music manager, had pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess heroin and cocaine.
Prosecutors alleged that he had been engaged in drug trafficking between 2005 and 2012, including a significant role in an operation that distributed drugs in Rochester, New York, from 2006 to 2008.
As part of his sentence, Harris agreed to forfeit the $171,000 earned from his appearances on the television show “Love & Hip Hop” and a luxurious 2011 Audi R8 sports car valued at $111,000.
The plea agreement he had entered into limited his maximum prison sentence to just over ten years, making the eight-year sentence the lowest possible under the circumstances.
Despite the severity of the sentence, Harris’ attorney, Donald Thompson, highlighted the positive impact his client had been making since his arrest, particularly in deterring young people from a life of crime.
Thompson emphasized that Harris had openly discussed the consequences of his actions with youth in difficult situations, offering guidance on making the right choices and avoiding the allure of drug-related money.
Adding a bittersweet touch to the situation, Mendeecees Harris and his fellow “Love & Hip Hop” cast member Yandy Smith had their wedding broadcast live on Memorial Day, May 25, while Harris faced the impending reality of his legal troubles.
Smith had expressed her gratitude to their supporters in a tweet on the VH1 website, acknowledging that they had finally achieved closure and were prepared to face whatever the future held.
Harris was expected to commence his prison sentence within the next four to six weeks, prompting him to reflect on his choices and continue his efforts to impact young individuals’ lives positively.
Is Mendeecees Harris Released from Prison?
After a long wait, Mendeecees Harris was finally released from prison in 2020, marking the end of four years behind bars.
The joyous occasion was captured and shared on social media, with his wife and Love & Hip Hop co-star, Yandy Smith-Harris, visibly ecstatic to have her husband back as a free man.
Harris had pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in April 2015, just before their highly publicized wedding that was televised.
Following his guilty plea, he reported to prison in December of that year and was sentenced to an eight-year term.
Throughout his time in prison, the couple had been devoted to their blended family, including their two biological children, Skylar and Omere, and Harris’ children from a previous relationship, Mendeecees Jr. and Aasim.
More recently, Smith-Harris even adopted a daughter named Infinity, which was documented on Love & Hip Hop.
Shortly after his release, Harris took to Instagram Stories, sharing moments of him and his wife jamming to the famous song “The Box” by Roddy Ricch, radiating happiness in the backseat of a car.
On her own Instagram page, Smith-Harris posted a video of the couple walking side by side, showcasing their bond as they left the facility where Harris had been held.
While Harris served his sentence, Smith-Harris committed herself to prison system reform.
She collaborated with community organizations and activists, including Women’s March co-founder Tamika Mallory and rapper-turned-activist Mysonne, to raise awareness and advocate for inmate rights.
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