Brooklyn preacher known for flashy lifestyle found guilty of wire fraud and attempted extortion

2024-12-25 12:56:26 source:lotradecoin permissions category:Invest

NEW YORK (AP) — A Brooklyn preacher known for his flashy lifestyle and who boasted of his friendship with New York City’s mayor was found guilty in federal court Monday of wire fraud, attempted extortion and lying to the FBI.

Lamor Miller-Whitehead, 47, was found guilty of five counts after a trial in federal court in Manhattan that began late last month. Prosecutors had argued that the preacher exaggerated his ties to Mayor Eric Adams and let greed overtake him as he looted a parishioner’s retirement savings and tried to extort a businessman to fuel his lavish lifestyle.

He also was accused of lying to FBI agents by denying he had a second cellphone.

An attorney for Miller-Whitehead, Dawn Florio, said they are appealing the verdict. She had told jurors during the trial that evidence against her client didn’t support the charges.

Miller-Whitehead made headlines in July when armed bandits crashed his church service and robbed him of $1 million in jewelry.

The preacher embraced his flashy lifestyle. He was known for driving around in a Rolls Royce and records show he lived in a $1.6 million home in Paramus, New Jersey. He also owned apartment buildings in Hartford, Connecticut.

READ MORE In New York City, heat pumps that fit in apartment windows promise big emissions cuts The NYPD is using social media to target critics. That brings its own set of worries Minneapolis Uber and Lyft drivers due for $15 an hour under council’s plan but mayor vows a veto

Prosecutors alleged Miller-Whitehead bilked a parishioner out of $90,000 in retirement savings by falsely promising he would find her a home and invest the rest in his real estate business. Prosecutors say he instead spent the money on luxury goods and clothing.

He also was accused of trying to convince a businessman to lend him $500,000 and give him a stake in real estate deals by claiming his ties to city officials could earn favorable treatment for the businessman’s interests.

Adams grew close to Miller-Whitehead while serving as Brooklyn’s borough president. Adams, a former police captain, has since said he spent decades enforcing the law and expects everyone to follow it.

Sentencing for Miller-Whitehead is scheduled for July 1.

More:Invest

Recommend

US inflation likely edged up last month, though not enough to deter another Fed rate cut

WASHINGTON (AP) — Annual inflation in the United States may have ticked up last month in a sign that

5 Years After Sandy: Vulnerable Red Hook Is Booming, Right at the Water’s Edge

This story was originally published in The Bridge.With its 578 miles of shoreline, New York City is

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Costume Designers Reveal the Wardrobe's Hidden Easter Eggs

Dear readers, we're spilling the high (fashion) tea.Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Netflix's n