Editor's Note: The above video originally aired on Feb. 26, 2024.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- A Brooklyn bishop known for his flashy style and being robbed mid-sermon was sentenced to nine years in prison related to fraud and extortion charges, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced Monday.
The bishop is accused of stealing around $90,000 of his parishioners' retirement savings after Lamor Whitehead promised to help her buy a home, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
“Lamor Whitehead is a con man," Williams said.
Whitehead used the parishioner's money on "luxury goods and other personal expenses," prosecutors said. Meanwhile, she lost "everything [she] had worked for," including $40,000 in penalties and legal fees for withdrawing money from her retirement early and taxes on the money spent by Whitehead, court records show.
Whitehead was found guilty of a slew of other schemes, like fraudulently applying for a $250,000 business loan using doctored bank statements and extorting a businessman for $5,000 -- all while promising favors in return from Mayor Eric Adams, prosecutors said.
He then lied to FBI agents as they raided his mansion in New Jersey, according to prosecutors.
Whitehead's attorney, Dawn Florio, said in a statement Whitehead still maintains his innocence.
"We will explore all available legal avenues to ensure that justice is served. Our dedication to proving Bishop Whitehead's innocence is unwavering, and we will immediately begin the appeal process," Florio said.
The bishop will also serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence and must pay $85,000 in restitution and forfeit $95,000, Williams said.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.
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