Mendeecees Harris, VH1 star of 'Love & Hip Hop,' faces drug charges in Rochester area
MendeeceesHarrisChargedWithTraffickingDrugs25MillionWorthOfHeroinAndCocaineFrom2005and2012
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 federal criminal charges against the reality show star, Mendeecees Harris, who is already facing sexual abuse of a minor charges in New Jersey, records show.

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 online 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.