‘Superfly’ actor and rapper sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for multiple rapes
James Harris Jr., a 25-year-old star of TV’s ‘The Young & the Restless’ and ‘The Cosby Show’ and hip-hop artist, was sentenced this morning in Jefferson County Circuit Court to 80 years to life for multiple alleged rapes.
After entering the court room with his attorneys, the black actor-rapper walked into an orange prison jumpsuit.
He was handcuffed and led into the courtroom by deputies.
During the proceedings, one of his attorneys said, “We’re very concerned about that sentence.”
Harris Jr. addressed the court: “My life is a mess. I can’t even take care of myself. I have nothing to say to you right now, except I’m sorry.”
During the sentencing, Judge Thomas Stovall said: “The court does not take into consideration the victim impact statements from the victims.
“The court does take into consideration the defendant’s character, character is, to all appearances, honorable. He’s very remorseful.”
James Harris Jr. was arrested last month on an outstanding warrant in connection with a December attack on a woman in North Carolina.
After his arrest, Harris Jr. turned himself in.
His second-degree rape charge is a violent felony, meaning he could face life in prison if he’s convicted. Harris Jr.’s first-degree rape charge is a class A felony, meaning he’ll likely spend the rest of his life in prison if he’s convicted.
During the sentencing hearing, Harris Jr.’s attorney told the court he’s been in jail since Thursday and was prepared to turn himself in.
“I think he has a long way to go,” the attorney, Bill Nettles Jr., said. “I think that the people who are really responsible for his life, who have been putting him in these situations, should be held to account.”
The victim, who was not named in the report, testified that she was walking home from her job when