‘Love & Hip Hop’ Cast Member Mendeecees Sentenced in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Love & Hip Hop cast member Mendeecees Harris has been sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.

Harris is the husband of Yandy Smith, one of the breakout stars of the VH1 reality show. Smith felt the sentencing has finally brought some closure to the situation. "Now we have a definitive number and we can move forward," Smith told Democrat & Chronicle. "I know there is an end."

Authorities said that the drug trafficking ring shipped large amounts of cocaine and heroin from downstate New York to the Rochester area, according to Democrat & Chronicle. Harris pleaded guilty to the charges back in April. The recommended sentence ranged from 97 to 121 months. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Sherman requested a sentence close to 10 years. Sherman felt that Harris' fame would make him an example "that there are real consequences to the kind of criminal conduct he engaged in."

U.S. District Judge Frank Geraci Jr. ultimately chose the smaller sentence.

"This is a tough case, Mr. Harris, because of the fact you were transporting poison to this community," Geraci said. Geraci noted that Harris has regularly spoken to disadvantaged children and teens, which the judge hopes Harris will continue to do after his release.

Harris already served 15 months of his sentence before he got out on bail. With good behavior, Harris may only serve five to six years of his remaining sentence.