G Unit’s Tony Yayo, who is facing assault charges for allegedly hitting the 14-year-old son of Game’s manager, Jimmy “Henchman” Rosemond, recently declared his innocence in an interview with MTV News.

Yayo was charged in March with assault, harassment and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly attacking James Rosemond on a Manhattan street with his entourage.

The rapper has plead not guilty to the charges and is free on $5,000 bail.

“I swear to my kids, I didn't smack that kid,” Yayo emphasized to MTV.  “I don't smack kids.  It kinda hurt my feelings [when] the Daily News and everybody said bad things about me.  I have a criminal record already, so the system looks at me like, 'This guy's been to jail before, and he's a problem.’  I'm not that type of guy."

As reported earlier, Yayo’s trial will kick off on January 10th, 2008.  His case will be combined with Lowell “Lodi Mack” Fletcher’s case, an “honorary” member of the G-Unit who was also allegedly involved in the assault.

If convicted, Yayo would be headed to jail, a place he is already familiar with.

“I been to jail before, I been in a cell.  I had a shower and toilet…I don't wanna go to jail, but hey, life is life,” said Yayo. “My mom's crib got shot 21 times.  I didn't cry to the public about it.  I don't know who did it.  A lot of people don't like G-Unit, a lot of people do.”

Yayo is currently working with his G-Unit brethren to release a second group album.

The album, titled Shoot To Kill, will hit stores in December and will feature appearances from Lil Kim and production from Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Eminem.