Lamor Whitehead, widely known as the “Bling Bishop,” once captivated his congregation with his ostentatious displays of wealth and promises of prosperity. His fall from grace is all but complete, as federal prosecutors seek a 12½-year prison sentence for a string of fraud convictions, including swindling an elderly parishioner’s life savings and attempting extortion.
Whitehead, 46, a self-proclaimed mentee of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was convicted in March on five counts, including wire fraud, attempted extortion, and lying to the FBI. His conviction paints a stark contrast to the image he cultivated as a successful religious leader adorned in designer suits and expensive jewelry. Prosecutors described his wealth as a facade built on deceit and theft, rather than divine favor.
In their sentencing recommendation, prosecutors emphasized Whitehead’s “utter lack of remorse” and his continued attempts to profit from his notoriety. Recently, he was caught selling court documents to subscribers on Patreon, violating the terms of their confidentiality. This, combined with disparaging remarks about his victims, led Judge Lorna Schofield to order his pre-sentencing detention at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in May.
Whitehead’s defense argues for leniency, citing the harsh conditions at MDC, but prosecutors dismiss these claims as irrelevant, noting his brief detention period and the likelihood of a transfer to another facility post-sentencing. The pastor’s defense also plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining his innocence despite the overwhelming evidence against him.
Whitehead’s crimes span several years and include duping parishioner Pauline Anderson out of $90,000 under the guise of helping her buy a home, which he instead spent on luxury items. He also attempted to extort $500,000 from Bronx body shop owner Brandon Belmonte by falsely promising political favors, leveraging his alleged connection with Mayor Adams.
This connection to Adams has been a recurring theme in Whitehead’s schemes. He often boasted of his influence within the city government, a claim that prosecutors and the mayor’s office have firmly rebutted. This fraudulent behavior extends to his false testimony during the trial, where he continued to lie about his financial dealings and relationships.
Whitehead’s flashy lifestyle, once a magnet for public attention, is now seen as a testament to his deceit. His sentencing on July 1 will mark a significant chapter in a cautionary tale about the perils of greed and the abuse of religious authority. As prosecutors noted, Whitehead stole from all who trusted him, using his position not to uplift, but to exploit.
