Brooklyn-based Bishop Lamor Whitehead, who became known nationally this summer after getting robbed during a livestreamed church service, is facing wire fraud and extortion charges in an unrelated case.
Whitehead, 45, is facing two counts of wire fraud, one count of extortion, and another for making false statements for crimes allegedly committed against one of his parishioners and a businessman, federal prosecutors announced.
Whitehead, known for his expensive clothes, cars and other flashy displays of wealth, leads the Leaders of Tomorrow International Churches in New York City. In July, Whitehead and his wife were robbed of $1 million in jewelry after armed gunmen entered their church.
People criticized Whitehead for his luxurious lifestyle following this incident. Others even questioned whether the robbery was real. Two men were later arrested for the robbery, however.
Following the news of the federal charges brought against him, Whitehead claimed his innocence in a 15-minute long Instagram video posted on Tuesday.
In the video, Whitehead sits in front of two smiling portraits of himself and says, "The bishop is not guilty. And I'm going to fight it. I have the right legal team, and more importantly, I have God."
"Ain't nothing changed. I'm still the same bishop," he said. "And I'll say it again. Just because you were arrested doesn't make you guilty. Don't drink the Kool-Aid. I'm telling you all. You drunk it already. Don't drink it again. Give it time."
Prosecutors...
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