A star of the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop is among three men accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine in the Rochester region, court papers show.
A sweeping investigation led to the criminal charges against the reality show star, Mendeecees Harris, who is already facing charges of molesting a 15 year old girl in New Jersey.
Harris is the long-time boyfriend of fellow Love and Hip Hop star Yandy Smith. He’s also the manager of rappers Vado and Webstar.
Harris is the long-time boyfriend of fellow Love and Hip Hop star Yandy Smith. He’s also the manager of rappers Vado and Webstar.
Harris, who lives downstate, and others were originally indicted on the drug charges in the fall, according to records. Authorities allege that the three trafficked $2.5 million worth of drugs between 2005 and August 2012.
Harris was key to the popular VH1 show’s recent season. His arrest in New Jersey on allegations of sexual abuse of a 15-year-old lit up the hip hop gossip sites, but the Rochester-based drug charges — though months old — have remained out of the public sphere.
While court records provide few details about the criminal case against Harris and his co-defendants, Ronald Walker and Tyrus Harris, the indictment shows that authorities have already seized more than $1.5 million from safety deposit boxes connected with the case.
Also seized was nearly $407,000 worth of jewelry and watches, including a $60,000 Rolex and another $35,000 Rolex. Authorities are also pushing for the forfeiture of properties in Georgia and Baltimore.
Harris surrendered for arrest on the Rochester-area indictment on Jan. 24. He is expected to be arraigned in Rochester after a current trial in New Jersey. Harris’ co-defendants have pleaded not guilty at arraignments in Rochester, records show.
