A Brooklyn pastor, known as the “Bling Bishop,” was convicted Monday on multiple charges related to stealing $90,000 from a parishioner, attempting to extort a businessman, and making false promises involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for lucrative deals.
Lamor Miller-Whitehead, 45, 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. These charges carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years and five years in prison, respectively, according to the U.S. attorney.
Miller-Whitehead, previously incarcerated for identity theft and grand larceny, served as a pastor at the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries. Despite his criminal history, he lived in a $1.6 million mansion in Paramus, New Jersey, and owned multiple apartment buildings in Hartford, Connecticut. He gained attention in July when he was robbed of $1 million in jewelry during a church service.
Prosecutors revealed that Miller-Whitehead convinced a parishioner to invest her retirement savings of approximately $90,000 under the guise of helping her purchase a home. Instead, he misappropriated the funds for personal use, splurging on luxury items. When confronted about repayment, he engaged in further deception.
Additionally, Miller-Whitehead attempted to extort $5,000 from a businessman and later sought a $500,000 loan, falsely claiming to offer favorable actions from Mayor Adams in return. These actions constituted attempted fraud and extortion, as he knowingly made promises he could not fulfill.
In another instance, Miller-Whitehead submitted a fraudulent application for a $250,000 business loan, falsifying bank statements to inflate his financial status.
Further complicating matters, Miller-Whitehead provided false statements to FBI agents during a search of his New Jersey mansion, concealing the existence of a second cellphone. His attorney, Dawn Florio, announced plans to appeal the verdict, citing insufficient evidence.
Before his arrest, Miller-Whitehead maintained a close association with Mayor Adams, who served as Brooklyn’s borough president. Adams emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and assisting individuals with troubled pasts but distanced himself from the investigation’s findings, reiterating that there were no government benefits involved. Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel to the mayor, quoted federal prosecutors, affirming Miller-Whitehead’s deceitfulness regarding access and influence.
