Today Love & Hip Hop NY's Mendeecees Harris was handed down an 8 years sentence in his federal drug trafficking case after originally looking at potentially facing 20 years behind bars. Earlier in the year, the 36-year-old reality star pled guilty to charges of trafficking large amounts of cocaine and heroine from downstate New York to the Rochester region of the state.
Harris' sentence comes on the heels of the kick off to LHHNY's sixth season, as well as his nuptials to wife, Yandy Smith, which was filmed for fans in a live VH1 production. During his prison stint, Harris will leave behind his new bride along and his four children (two whom he shares with Smith).
Although it has been a few months in the making, Harris was finally sentenced to 97 months for his part in a drug trafficking conspiracy that went on from 2005 to 2012. Back in April, Harris pleaded guilty to the charges in order to accept a plea bargain that would potentially give him an 8-10 years sentence.
Fortunately for Harris, he received the lesser amount. In addition to forking over all his earnings from club appearances and show earnings, Harris had begun doing work in the community mentoring young boys and helping them stay away lives of crime. His acts of goodwill in the community definitely played a role in him receiving a lighter sentence as opposed to the recommended time.
According to Democrat & Chronicle, Harris went before the judge prior to his sentencing saying, "Ever since (having children), I've been trying to right my wrongs.".
Before sentencing Harris with 97 months in federal prison, he informed the reality star, "This is a tough case, Mr. Harris, because of the fact you were transporting poison to this community". However, due to his activities in the community in an effort to amend his wrongs, the judge handed down the lesser sentence versus the recommended 121 months. Being that Harris had already served 15 months prior to the sentencing, the time he actually serves could potentially be shorter. Harris remains out on bail until the federal Bureau of Prisons tells him where he will report to.
Harris took to social media to address the news, informing fans that he had accepted responsibility for his part in the crime and how he expected to come out a better man because of it.