US Pastor Bags 9-Year Jail Term

Lamor Whitehead, a flamboyant Brooklyn pastor known as the “Bling Bishop,” has been sentenced to nine years in prison for schemes that included exploiting the bank account of one of his followers.

The New York preacher, famous for his flashy lifestyle, was found guilty in March of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal investigators.

Prosecutors argued that Whitehead, 45, abused his position as a religious leader to swindle people out of money to support his lavish lifestyle.

Whitehead made headlines in 2022 when he was robbed at gunpoint during a live-streamed sermon. The thieves stole $1 million (£840,000) worth of watches, diamonds, and emeralds.

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Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, labeled Whitehead a “con man” and said the sentence concludes his “various schemes.”

Officials stated that Whitehead, who led the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie, New York, deceived people with false promises and stole their money to purchase luxury items such as fancy clothing and cars.

One of his victims, a church member, entrusted him with $90,000—her life savings—believing it would be used to buy her a home. Instead, it was spent on clothing and car payments.

He also doctored documents in order to secure business loans and attempted to extort a Bronx businessman by falsely claiming to have access to New York Mayor Eric Adams.

“Bishop Whitehead is in my prayers,” the mayor said on Monday ahead of the sentencing, according to the New York Times.

Lawyers for Whitehead said they plan to fight his conviction.