Lamor Miller-Whitehead, a Brooklyn preacher, has been found guilty of fraud and extortion by a federal court. Miller-Whitehead became known for his lavish lifestyle prior to this verdict.
The Brooklyn preacher also often touted his friendship with New York City’s mayor Eric Adams. However, this court case has revealed some of the lies that Miller-Whitehead has said over the years — including about his so-called friendship with Adams.
A Brooklyn Preacher’s Guilty Verdict
Miller-Whitehead’s trial in a federal court began last month in Manhattan. Now that the preacher has been found guilty, he will face sentencing for his crimes later this year in July.
Miller-Whitehead posted a $500,000 bail after his arrest earlier this year. An investigation was first opened into Miller-Whitehead after Brandon Belmonte, a businessman, tipped off federal authorities after having a business meeting with the preacher.
Miller-Whitehead’s Charges
Miller-Whitehead was charged and found guilty of wire fraud, attempted extortion, and lying to the FBI. Whitehead lied to the FBI when they asked him if he had a second cellphone. He said he didn’t, which was inaccurate.
While investigators first opened up a case on the preacher because of his business dealings, they soon found out that he was swindling money from one of his parishioners.
Preacher Swindled His Parishioner
According to investigators, Miller-Whitehead swindled one of his parishioners out of $90,000. Miller-Whitehead told her that he would take her retirement savings and find her a home with the money.
He also told her that he would use this money to invest in his own real estate business. However, prosecutors declared that he instead spent this money himself, buying luxury clothing and goods with her retirement savings.
Shady Business Dealings
Prosecutors also alleged that Miller-Whitehead dealt in shady business dealings. In one such instance, he tried to get a businessman — the one who tipped off authorities — to do business with him.
Miller-Whitehead told this businessman to lend him $500,000. He also asked this businessman to give him a stake in his real estate deals. Miller-Whitehead allegedly used his ties to New York City officials, such as the mayor, to try to get this businessman to agree.
Miller-Whitehead’s Church
Miller-Whitehead first became a religious preacher in 2013 upon forming the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries. Since 2013, he has preached in Brooklyn.
In the past few years, he has formed connections with some city officials, such as Mayor Adams. The two reportedly met and became friends when Adams was Brooklyn’s borough president.
Miller-Whitehead’s Past Criminal Activity
Miller-Whitehead also has a past criminal record. He had previously been found guilty of identity theft and grand larceny. He served a five-year prison sentence for this conviction.
However, the judge in his current trial agreed to exclude mention of his past criminal record in pretrial evidentiary rulings.
Miller-Whitehead’s Lavish Lifestyle
Miller-Whitehead had become known for his lavish and flashy lifestyle before his conviction. The Brooklyn preacher always drove around in a Rolls Royce and was often decked out in luxury clothing and jewelry.
He also had extravagant properties in different parts of the United States. Though he preached in Brooklyn, he lived in a $1.6 million home located in Paramus, New Jersey. He also owned property in Hartford, Connecticut.
Prosecutors In The Trial
Throughout the trial, prosecutors brought up what Miller-Whitehead did. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Greenwood said that the preacher was a “con man who told lie after lie to victim after victim, committing crime after crime.”
Greenwood also referenced the mansion — and all of his luxury cars and goods — that he obtained through nefarious means.
Mayor Adams And Miller-Whitehead
As Miller-Whitehead often touted his friendship with the mayor of New York City, many reporters quickly asked Adams about his thoughts on the preachers.
Adams stated that reporters should “quote the documents that stated that clearly he did not have authorization and there was no connectivity to the actions of (the) mayor or borough president.”
Miller-Whitehead Said He Was Not Guilty
Before he was found guilty, Miller-Whitehead pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Dawn Florio, stated that “the government has not met their burden of proof.”
Florio also claimed that Miller-Whitehead was not guilty in his dealings with Belmonte, the businessman who complained to authorities. According to Miller-Whitehead’s attorney, the issue between Belmonte and the preacher is a civil dispute.
Other Major Headlines Involving The Preacher
This isn’t the first time Miller-Whitehead has become viral news. Only last July, the preacher was in the news after armed robbers crashed his church service.
These people ended up robbing him and his wife of $1 million in jewelry. At the time of the robbery, the service was also being live-streamed online.
