“Bling Bishop” Lamor Miller-Whitehead, the flamboyant pastor from Brooklyn, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison following his conviction for financial fraud. US District Judge Lorna G Schofield handed down the sentence after Miller-Whitehead was found guilty of wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to law enforcement.
Miller-Whitehead, known for his lavish lifestyle including designer suits and a Rolls Royce, gained notoriety in July 2022 when armed robbers stole jewelry worth $1 million from him and his wife during a live-streamed church service at Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie.
US Attorney Damian Williams described Miller-Whitehead as a “con man who orchestrated multiple financial frauds, including defrauding one of his own parishioners.” According to court documents, the bishop convinced a parishioner to invest $90,000 of her retirement savings with promises of helping her buy a home, only to misuse the funds for personal luxury and then lie to her when she requested repayment.
In addition to this scheme, Miller-Whitehead submitted a fraudulent application for a $250,000 business loan, falsifying bank statements to inflate his financial standing. Prosecutors alleged similar fraudulent activities with other financial institutions, resulting in significant monetary losses.
During the investigation, FBI agents discovered Miller-Whitehead’s attempts to deceive them, including false statements about his possessions and activities. Despite his claims, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting otherwise, leading to further legal troubles for the disgraced pastor.
In sentencing, Judge Schofield also ordered Miller-Whitehead to serve three years of supervised release, pay $85,000 in restitution, and forfeit $95,000.
Following the verdict, Dawn Florio, an attorney representing Miller-Whitehead, issued a statement expressing continued support for the bishop, asserting plans to appeal the conviction.
The case underscores the downfall of a charismatic figure whose ostentatious public persona masked a pattern of deceit and financial misconduct, ultimately culminating in a significant prison sentence and ongoing legal battles.
