A Brooklyn preacher renowned for his extravagant lifestyle and purported friendship with New York City’s mayor has been found guilty in federal court on Monday of wire fraud, attempted extortion, and lying to the FBI.
Lamor Miller-Whitehead, 47, was convicted on five counts following a trial in federal court in Manhattan that commenced late last month. Prosecutors argued that the preacher exaggerated his connections to Mayor Eric Adams and succumbed to greed, siphoning a parishioner’s retirement savings and attempting to extort a businessman to fund his opulent lifestyle.
Additionally, Miller-Whitehead was accused of lying to FBI agents by denying possession of a second cellphone.
Dawn Florio, an attorney for Miller-Whitehead, stated that they intend to appeal the verdict. During the trial, she informed jurors that the evidence against her client did not substantiate the charges.
Miller-Whitehead gained attention in July when armed assailants disrupted his church service and robbed him of $1 million in jewelry.
Known for his ostentatious lifestyle, Miller-Whitehead flaunted his riches, driving a Rolls Royce and residing in a $1.6 million home in Paramus, New Jersey. He also owned apartment buildings in Hartford, Connecticut.
Prosecutors alleged that Miller-Whitehead deceived a parishioner into giving him $90,000 from her retirement savings by falsely promising to find her a home and invest the remainder in his real estate ventures. Instead, prosecutors claimed he spent the money on luxury items and clothing.
He was also accused of attempting to coerce a businessman into lending him $500,000 and providing him with a share in real estate ventures by leveraging his purported ties to city officials for the businessman’s benefit.
Miller-Whitehead had formed a close relationship with Adams during the latter’s tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president. Adams, a former police captain, emphasized his commitment to upholding the law, stressing that he expects everyone to abide by it.
Sentencing for Miller-Whitehead is scheduled for July 1.
