*Mendeecees Harris might be spending his honeymoon in prison.
The star of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop,” and fiancé of co-star Yandy Smith, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in New York – one month before he and Yandy are due to marry on live television for the special “Love & Hip Hop Live: The Wedding.” In February, Smith gave birth to the couple’s second child.
Harris, 36, pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to narcotics conspiracy in front of U.S. District Judge Frank Geraci Jr. During the appearance, Harris admitted he was involved in a drug trafficking operation that shipped cocaine and heroin to the Rochester area between 2005 and 2012, reports The Democrat and Chronicle.
Under his plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Harris must also turn over money from his television show and paid appearances. He’s gets a paycheck after each episode airs. That money, which the federal government will keep, has totaled more than $103,000, said his attorney Donald Thompson.
Harris is free on a $600,000 bail package, but faces 8 to 10 years in federal prison and/or a fine ranging from $15,000 to $5 million. He’ll also face four or five years of supervised release, Thompson said.
Harris’ co-defendants Ronald Walker, and Mendeecees Harris’ brother Tyrus Harris, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the case. Walker is serving 10 years in federal prison.
Geraci agreed to allow Mendeecees Harris to remain free on bail until his sentencing, which is scheduled for Aug. 31 at 3 p.m.
Once the case is resolved, the bail package will be returned to those who put up money and property for Harris’ release – including his fiancée. “Yandy put up for his bail when he originally got busted last year,” TMZ reports.
