Lamor Whitehead, a flamboyant Brooklyn pastor known as the “Bling Bishop,” has been sentenced to nine years in prison for various fraudulent schemes, including preying on the bank account of one of his own followers.
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Whitehead, a New York preacher famous for his flashy lifestyle, was found guilty in March, 2024 of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Prosecutors argued that Whitehead, 45, exploited his position as a religious leader to defraud people out of money to fund his extravagant lifestyle.
The pastor gained national attention in 2022 when he was robbed at gunpoint during a live-streamed sermon. The thieves stole $1 million worth of watches, diamonds, and emeralds.
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Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, described Whitehead as a “con man” and stated that the sentence marks the end of his “various schemes.”
Officials revealed 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, including expensive clothing and cars.
One of his victims, a church member, gave him $90,000—her life savings—believing the money would be used to purchase a home for her. Instead, Whitehead spent it on clothing and car payments.
He also falsified documents to secure business loans and attempted to extort a Bronx businessman by falsely claiming to have connections with 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 have announced plans to appeal his conviction.
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