US based bling pastor jailed 9 years for wire fraud
Lamor Whitehead, a New York preacher famous for his extravagant lifestyle, was convicted in March of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal investigators.

A flamboyant pastor from Brooklyn, known as the "Bling bishop," has been sentenced to nine years in prison for several schemes, including exploiting one of his followers financially.
Lamor Whitehead, a New York preacher famous for his extravagant lifestyle, was convicted in March of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Prosecutors revealed that Whitehead, 45, abused his religious leadership role to swindle money from people to support his opulent lifestyle.
Whitehead gained public attention in 2022 when he was robbed at gunpoint during a live-streamed sermon, with thieves stealing $1 million (£840,000) worth of watches, diamonds, and emeralds.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, described Whitehead as a "con man" and stated that his sentencing marks the conclusion of his "various schemes."
Authorities reported that Whitehead, who led the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie, New York, misled people with false promises and diverted their money to purchase luxury items such as designer clothing and cars.
One church member entrusted him with her $90,000 life savings, believing it would go towards buying a home for her.
Instead, Whitehead spent it on clothes and car payments.
Additionally, he forged documents to secure business loans and tried to extort a Bronx businessman by falsely claiming connections with New York Mayor Eric Adams.