The federal authorities are seeking to incarcerate convicted fraudster “Bling Bishop” Lamor Whitehead before his sentencing in July. This decision comes after Whitehead allegedly displayed confidential case documents and made veiled threats against one of his accusers by reciting a Bible verse.
Whitehead, who was found guilty in March of fraud, attempted extortion, and lying to the FBI, is accused of violating a restraining order by showcasing several documents in a video on April 30. Prosecutors revealed in Manhattan federal court that the 45-year-old pastor from Brooklyn also used a Bible psalm to make threats against Pauline Anderson, the woman he defrauded of $90,000.
During a livestreamed service on April 30, Whitehead allegedly quoted Psalms 105, saying, “Touch not my anointed.” This Old Testament scripture implies that Whitehead believes he is beyond criticism as a pastor.
Prosecutors urged Judge Lorna G. Schofield to remand Whitehead, stating, “He is not credible, he cannot be trusted.”
Whitehead defended himself in court, denying any intentional violation of the protective order. He also expressed frustration with the media’s focus on his fashion choices, claiming that his reputation has been tarnished because of a designer jacket.
He claimed ignorance, stating that he believed the documents had been unsealed after his trial. Whitehead’s attorney emphasized that his client is not a flight risk and has not encouraged anyone to target the Anderson family.
Judge Schofield will make a decision on whether Whitehead will remain at home or be sent to jail on May 20.
Earlier this year, a jury in Manhattan found Whitehead guilty of defrauding Anderson, as well as attempting to extort money from a Bronx body shop owner by promising favors from Mayor Eric Adams. Prosecutors described Whitehead as a “conman who told lie after lie to victim after victim.”
Whitehead persuaded Anderson to invest her retirement funds in a house he claimed he would purchase and renovate for her. Instead, he spent the money on luxury items from brands like Louis Vuitton, Footlocker, and BMW.
In another scheme, Whitehead attempted to borrow half a million dollars from Brandon Belmonte, the body shop owner, in exchange for favors from the mayor. However, his deceitful actions caught up with him, leading to his arrest by federal authorities in December 2022.
