Bling Bishop Lamor Whitehead Sentenced for Fraud and Extortion
Lamor Whitehead, a flamboyant pastor from Brooklyn known as the “Bling Bishop” due to his extravagant lifestyle, has been sentenced following his conviction on multiple charges of fraud and extortion. This high-profile case has captivated public attention, particularly given Whitehead’s prior rise to infamy.
Whitehead, the leader of Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Brooklyn, was found guilty of two counts of wire fraud, one count of attempted wire fraud, one count of attempted extortion, and one count of making false statements to federal agents. The verdict came after a two-week trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.
The charges against the Bling Bishop Lamor Whitehead were rooted in his manipulative schemes to defraud both his parishioners and other individuals. Prosecutors detailed how Whitehead convinced one of his parishioners to invest $90,000 of her retirement savings with him, promising to help her buy a home. Instead, Whitehead used the money for personal luxury expenses, including designer clothes and jewelry.
Additionally, Whitehead extorted $5,000 from a businessman and attempted to secure a $500,000 loan from the same individual by falsely promising favors and business opportunities he could not deliver.
He also submitted fraudulent bank records to obtain a $250,000 business loan, claiming to have millions in the bank and substantial monthly income.
When federal agents searched his home, Whitehead lied about the existence of a second phone, which was later found and used regularly by him. This deceit added to his conviction for making false statements to federal agents.
Whitehead first drew widespread media attention in July 2022, when he was robbed at gunpoint during a live-streamed church service. The dramatic incident added to his public persona as a flashy, controversial pastor.
His close ties with New York Mayor Eric Adams have also been scrutinized, with allegations that Whitehead exaggerated their relationship to bolster his credibility and influence.
Throughout his trial, the Bling Bishop Lamor Whitehead maintained his innocence, claiming the charges against him were politically motivated. He asserted that federal agents targeted him because he refused to act as an informant against Mayor Adams.
Whitehead’s defense argued that his prosecution was a result of his refusal to comply with the FBI’s demand.
Following his conviction, Whitehead thanked his supporters and announced plans to appeal the verdict. He remains defiant, continuing to present himself as a man of God who has been wronged by the legal system.
Whitehead’s sentencing is scheduled for July 1, where he faces up to 45 years in prison.
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