Bishop Lamor Whitehead is again outdoors following an arrest on Monday (Dec. 19). Whitehead is dealing with two counts of wire fraud, one rely of extortion, and one rely of creating false statements to the FBI.
But, on Tuesday, Bishop Whitehead took to his Instagram account to clapback on the prices in a 15-minute video. He opted for a cream swimsuit jacket and darkish brown turtleneck fairly than his regular luxurious print fits or massive, diamond chain. He sported an iced-out watch on his proper wrist and a big gold ring with a ruby on his left finger.
The church chief emphasised that an arrest doesn’t translate to guilt, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office within the Southern District of New York already established in their arrest assertion.
“The bishop was arrested, and everybody is coming up with some type of opinions and advice, but imma tell y’all today that the bishop is not guilty and I’m gonna fight it,” Whitehead stated. “I have the right legal team, and most importantly, I have God.”
He named his household, together with his parishioners, as his assist system and thanked those that provided theirs. And for folks with questions relating to the fees and his arrest, he emphasised that he’s harmless.
“First of all, I want to say that I’m not guilty,” Lamor stated. I need to make that clear y’all. That’s why I’ve a smile on my face. I’m in superb spirit, I’m nice and I’m not responsible.”
Again, he resorted to thanking his spouse, Asia DosReis-Whitehead, his household, and his Leaders of Tomorrow International Churches parishioners. He declared that they’re conversant in who he “really is.”
Lamor Whitehead Charged With Fraud, Extortion And Making False Statements
Meanwhile, the D.A.’s workplace alleges Whitehead defrauded a former parishioner out of $90,000. Pauline Anderson filed a lawsuit towards Lamor in 2021, saying he satisfied her to liquidate her financial savings to assist her purchase a house however as an alternative used her cash on private bills.
In a separate incident, authorities say Whitehead defrauded a businessman out of $5,000 and tried to squeeze one other $500,000 from him. Additionally, the arrest assertion says he lied to the FBI about having two telephones throughout an investigation.
In their arrest assertion, the D.A.’s workplace declared that Whitehead’s “campaign of fraud and deceit stops now.” FBI Assistant Director Michael Driscoll additionally spoke on Whitehead’s prices.
“As we allege today, Whitehead carried out several duplicitous schemes in order to receive funds from his victims. Additionally, when speaking with authorities, Whitehead consciously chose to mislead and lie to them. If you are willing to attempt to obtain funds through false promises or threats, the FBI will ensure that you are made to face the consequences for your actions in our criminal justice system,” Driscoll stated.
Lamor Whitehead Asks For ‘An Opportunity’ To Prove His Innocence
As the video continued, Whitehead spoke about having God on his facet and the way nobody could possibly be towards him due to it. He flashed smiles and launched chuckles all through the video as he recited Bible scriptures, defined his innocence, and urged folks to let his authorized workforce do their jobs.
He referred to his church theft and the way folks speculated he was concerned till police arrested two of the lads who allegedly dedicated the crime in September.
“I want y’all to really stay focused in this season, stay firm in this season. We have to understand we have a purpose, we have a process, we have a promise. I’m living my purpose, I’m going through my process to enter my promise. And I want you guys to allow me and my family to have peace,” Whitehead stated.
Lamor added that he acquired dying threats and needs towards him and his household after the theft and involvement speculations. However, he’s hoping for a unique consequence this time as he undergoes the authorized course of.
“A lot of you might not like me cause you don’t understand me, but I want y’all to give me an opportunity, give me a chance so that you guys can understand who Bishop Whitehead is: a man of excellence, a man of integrity,” Whitehead stated. “And if I wasn’t a man of God the enemy wouldn’t be fighting me like he is.”
Watch his full assertion under: