'Love & Hip Hop' New York VHI reality show star Mendeecees Harris finally finds closure.The verdict laid out for his lengthy federal case on drug trafficking was an eight-year prison sentence.
In April, the music producer pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving him in large shipments of cocaine and heroin between New York and the Rochester region. He agreed to pay a bail of $600,000 to still be able to continue to work. His court activities had been woven into VH1's hit show.
Harris said that growing up fatherless and living in a rough neighbourhood led him to his involvement in the drug trade. He decided to begin making amends for his wrongs since having children. He said his children are his reason for staying away from a life of crime.
This father of four had in fact been giving regular inspirational talks to teens and children from disadvantaged backgrounds in New York City and the East Coast about his own experiences and realisations. Apparently those have had such impact on these youths and helped them to make better decisions in their own situations. One such fan wrote the reality star this message: "I want to make my family proud of me like your family and fans are proud of you."
Harris' wife, film producer and hip-hop talent manager Yandy Smith, stood by him throughout the ordeal. The two got married in May in a network-televised episode called 'Love & Hip Hop Live: The Wedding'. Smith posted an Instagram thanks for her fans for their support to her and Harris: "You have no idea how much your love and encouragement means... We finally have closure and are prepared and ready for all the future holds. God and love always prevails."
Harris did the same and posted this heart-warming message on Instagram to his supporters: "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..."
