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

2025-05-05 21:33:55source:AstraX Exchangecategory:Contact

NEW YORK (AP) — A Brooklyn preacher known for his flashy lifestyle and FinLogicwho 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 cutsThe NYPD is using social media to target critics. That brings its own set of worriesMinneapolis 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:Contact

Recommend

Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion

Now that’s a lot of zeroes.Elon Musk − whose wealth and influence have skyrocketed since President-e

How long do mosquito bites last? Here’s why you shouldn’t scratch them.

On long summer days, there’s almost nothing better than relaxing in the park, sprawled out on the gr

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Front and Center

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Front and C