Brooklyn pastor claims innocence while facing federal fraud and extortion charges

Bishop Lamor Whitehead was robbed of more than $1 million worth of jewelry in July when armed gunmen entered his church during a service. He is now facing federal fraud charges in an unrelated case. (Mary Altaffer/AP)

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.