Bishop with ties to NYC Mayor Eric Adams to go on trial over alleged embezzlement and extortion

A Brooklyn preacher, Lamor Miller-Whitehead, known for his ties to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is set to go on trial in Manhattan federal court on Monday. The preacher, who drives a Rolls Royce, faces charges related to the alleged looting of a parishioner's retirement savings and an attempted extortion of a businessman to maintain his luxurious lifestyle. The trial will begin with the process of jury selection, two years after a grand jury indicted him on charges including wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal law enforcement officials.

Allegations and Denials

Prosecutors accuse Miller-Whitehead of embezzling a parishioner's savings and deceiving a businessman by falsely asserting that he could utilize his connections to New York City officials, including Mayor Adams, to generate millions of dollars. Despite the allegations, Miller-Whitehead has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges.

Following his arrest, Miller-Whitehead was released on $500,000 bail. This came soon after he himself was the victim of a robbery, during which gunmen stole $1 million worth of jewelry from him during a church service. His lawyer, Dawn Florio, emphasized Miller-Whitehead's plea of not guilty and his anticipation of the trial to defend himself against the charges.

Potential Involvement of Mayor Adams

Although the charging documents did not mention Miller-Whitehead's connection with the mayor, prosecutors have indicated an interest in exploring this relationship during the trial. They have sought to compel a writer for The New Yorker to provide testimony regarding an article titled, “The Mayor and the Con Man,” suggesting that the mayor's association with Miller-Whitehead may become a focal point in the proceedings.

Trial and Allegations

The trial is rooted in allegations that Miller-Whitehead swindled $90,000 from a parishioner's retirement savings under false pretenses of assisting her in finding a home and investing the remaining funds in his real estate business. Prosecutors claim that he instead spent the money on luxury items and clothing. Additionally, he is accused of attempting to persuade a businessman, Brandon Belmonte, to lend him $500,000 and provide him with a stake in real estate ventures by leveraging his supposed ties to city officials for the businessman's benefit.

The businessman's complaint led to a six-month investigation by federal authorities, culminating in Miller-Whitehead's arrest. Crucial evidence for the trial is expected to be derived from covert audio recordings of conversations between Belmonte and Miller-Whitehead.

The trial is set to commence on Monday, marking a critical juncture in the legal proceedings against the Brooklyn preacher with ties to Mayor Adams.