Brooklyn Pastor 'Bling Bishop' Lamor Whitehead Convicted of Financial Crimes: A Tale of Deceit and Extravagance
In a stunning legal verdict, flashy Brooklyn pastor Lamor Whitehead, known as the 'Bling Bishop,' faced federal court convictions on Monday for wire fraud, attempted extortion, and false statements to the FBI. This notorious figure, associated with Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries, lived a lavish lifestyle, draped in Louis Vuitton suits and extravagant jewelry, which ultimately became part of his downfall.
Whitehead's first scheme involved defrauding a parishioner of $90,000, promising to assist her in buying a home and making sound investments. However, he diverted the funds to indulge in luxury goods and personal expenses. His second scheme targeted a businessman, extorting $5,000 and attempting to secure a $500,000 loan by falsely promising access to favorable connections within the New York City government, leveraging his ties with Mayor Eric Adams.
The legal proceedings unveiled Whitehead's audacious attempt to exploit his association with Mayor Adams for personal gain, a move that backfired as the U.S. Attorney's office exposed his deceptive practices. The 'Bling Bishop' even made false statements to FBI agents during the investigation, compounding his legal troubles.
As the jury unanimously found him guilty on all counts, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that Whitehead's actions represented a betrayal of trust and an abuse of his position. Each conviction carries significant potential prison time, with the sentencing scheduled for July 1.
About Lamor Whitehead: A Troubled Past Unveiled
Born in 1978, Lamor Whitehead claimed to be the son of Arthur Miller, Jr., who died in police custody after a traffic stop. However, conflicting information surfaced from Miller's surviving family, stating that Arthur Miller, Jr., had only one son, aged 12 at the time of his father's death.
Despite earning a degree from the New York Theological Seminary and completing his Ministry in Human Services from Nyack College's Theological Institution of Rising Hope Inc., Whitehead's troubled past caught up with him. Previously found guilty in 2008 for orchestrating a large-scale fraud operation, he served time in Sing Sing prison before emerging as a charismatic leader, establishing Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries.
This latest conviction marks another chapter in the complex narrative of Lamor Whitehead, a pastor whose extravagant lifestyle and deceitful financial dealings have once again landed him on the wrong side of the law.