Mendeecees Harris is claiming to be not guilty of charges that he trafficked millions of dollars in drugs. The Love & Hip Hop New York star appeared in court Friday (March 8) to enter his plea, and could be facing a mandatory 20-year-sentence for federal drug conspiracy, if convicted.
Harris, 33, showed up to the federal court in Rochester, N.Y., handcuffed and wearing a green prison jumpsuit. The stiff sentence may be handed down to the reality star given a previous drug conviction in Maryland.
During the hearing, U.S Magistrate Judge Jonathon Feldman announced that he would request Harris be denied bail. However, his lawyer, Donald Thompson, was set to ask for a bail hearing. A court conference to handle the matter has been scheduled for tomorrow.
Prosecutors accuse Harris, and two cohorts, Ronald Walker, and Tyrus Harris— the latter of which is brother to the father of two—of traffickingg $2.5 million worth of coke and heroin from 2005 through last summer. In August 2012, the feds seized more than $1.5 million in cash from a safety deposit box found in a house believed to be connected to the crime, plus thousands of dollars in jewelry and watches.
Walker and Tyrus have both pleaded not guilty.
Harris surrendered to authorities in late January. His most recent legal troubles come on the heels of a not guilty conviction on allegations that he s-xually abused a teenager.
His girlfriend,Yandy Smith, stood by his side throughout the abuse trial, releasing a statement after he was absolved of wrongdoing.
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Photo: Tina Yee
