American pastor “Bling Bishop” sentenced to 9 years in prison

A flamboyant Brooklyn pastor known as “Bishop Bling” has been sentenced to nine years in prison for schemes that included an attack on the bank account of one of his own disciples.

Lamor Whitehead, a New York preacher known for his flashy lifestyle, was convicted in March of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal investigators .

Prosecutors argued that Whitehead, 45, used his position as a religious leader to extort people for money to finance his lavish lifestyle.

Whitehead made headlines in 2022 after he was robbed at gunpoint during a live-streamed sermon. The thieves made off with $1 million (£840,000) in watches, diamonds and emeralds.

Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, called Whitehead a “crook” and said the conviction marked the end of his “various schemes.”

Officials say Whitehead, who led Tomorrow's Leaders International Ministries in Canarsie, N.Y., deceived people with false promises and stole their money to buy items including luxury clothing and cars.

One of his victims, a member of his church, gave him $90,000 – his savings – believing that the money would be used to buy him a house. It was instead spent on clothes and cars.

He also falsified documents to obtain business loans and attempted to extort a Bronx businessman by falsely claiming to have access to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

“Bishop Whitehead is in my prayers,” the mayor said Monday before the sentencing, according to the New York Times.

Whitehead's lawyers have said they plan to challenge his conviction.