In a high-profile lawsuit that has captivated New York City, Lamor Whitehead, the flamboyant Brooklyn pastor known as the “Bling Bishop,” has been sentenced to nine years in jail.
The politically related pastor, who often boasted about his close ties with city and state officials, was discovered guilty of multiple charges additionally wire fraud, tried extortion, and lying to the FBI.
Lamor Whitehead, a self-described mentee of Mayor Eric Adams, earned his nickname “Bling Bishop” for his extravagant lifestyle and penchant for luxury.
But, behind the glitz and glamor lay a series of deceitful schemes that left his followers financially devastated.
Whitehead, the leader of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie, Brooklyn, was found guilty by a judge in March of 5 counts related to his fraudulent activities.
Manhattan federal court jury Lorna Schofield handed down the 9-year sentence after hearing emotional testimonies from Whitehead’s victims, who described the financial ruin they faced due to his actions.
In spite of his attempts to leverage his connections with prominent city and state officials—including Mayor Adams, state lawyer General Letitia James, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey—none of these figures were present to support him.
“I don’t see any remorse for your conduct,” Judge Schofield stated during sentencing, describing the evidence against Whitehead as “frankly overwhelming.”