Lamor Miller-Whitehead, known for his lavish lifestyle and involvement in a high-profile jewelry heist, has been convicted of wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements in a case that questioned his integrity and connections with NYC’s political figures.
Lamor Miller-Whitehead, a 47-year-old Brooklyn preacher notable for his ostentatious lifestyle and a victim of a widely publicized $1m jewelry heist during a church livestream, has been convicted on charges of wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to the FBI. The federal court found him guilty on five counts following allegations that he exploited his parishioners’ trust and attempted to unlawfully obtain money for his own benefit.
The case spotlighted Miller-Whitehead’s extravagant way of living, evidenced by his ownership of a Rolls-Royce and a $1.6 million residence, juxtaposed against his fraudulent activities. These included deceiving a parishioner into parting with $90,000 from her retirement savings and an attempt to extort a businessman by falsely claiming he could use his purported connections with city officials.
Further scrutiny was placed on Miller-Whitehead’s purported relationship with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, with the prosecution claiming the preacher had overstated the closeness of their association to further his schemes. Despite his denial of wrongdoing and an intention to appeal the verdict, Miller-Whitehead’s sentencing has been scheduled for July 1.
Miller-Whitehead, sometimes referred to as the ‘bling bishop,’ gained notoriety both for his involvement in religious circles and his connections to higher echelons of New York City’s political landscape, including Mayor Adams. The conclusion of this case brings to a close a significant chapter in Brooklyn’s recent history, addressing issues of trust, power abuse, and the responsibilities of community leadership.
