Brooklyn Preacher Convicted of Wire Fraud, Attempted Extortion, and FBI Lies Amidst Claims of Extravagant Lifestyle
In a federal court trial that concluded on Monday, Lamor Miller-Whitehead, a 47-year-old Brooklyn preacher known for his opulent lifestyle and purported ties to New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, was found guilty on five counts. The charges included wire fraud, attempted extortion, and lying to the FBI.
During the trial in Manhattan, prosecutors asserted that Miller-Whitehead, who had boasted of his friendship with Mayor Adams, succumbed to greed as he allegedly looted $90,000 from a parishioner’s retirement savings and attempted to extort a businessman to fund his lavish way of life. The preacher was also accused of providing false information to FBI agents by denying possession of a second cellphone.
Despite vehemently denying the charges, Miller-Whitehead’s attorney, Dawn Florio, announced plans to appeal the verdict. Florio argued that the evidence presented during the trial did not align with the accusations.
Miller-Whitehead gained public attention in July when armed thieves disrupted his church service, robbing him of $1 million worth of jewelry.
Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, the preacher often made headlines driving a Rolls Royce and residing in a $1.6 million home in Paramus, New Jersey, while owning apartment buildings in Hartford, Connecticut.
Prosecutors contended that Miller-Whitehead exploited a parishioner by falsely promising to secure a home for her and invest the remaining $90,000 in his real estate ventures. Instead, they claimed he spent the money on luxury items and clothing.
Additionally, the preacher was accused of attempting to persuade a businessman to lend him $500,000 and provide a stake in real estate deals by leveraging his alleged connections to city officials for favorable treatment.
Mayor Eric Adams, who formed a close association with Miller-Whitehead during his tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president, distanced himself from the preacher’s legal troubles. Adams, a former police captain, emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and holding everyone accountable.
Sentencing for Lamor Miller-Whitehead is scheduled for July 1.
Lamor Miller-Whitehead, Brooklyn preacher known for flashy lifestyle, found guilty of wire fraud and attempted extortionhttps://t.co/FRSZTHanwi pic.twitter.com/8og0dgfqVR
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 12, 2024