A 25-year-old man accused of robbing convicted New York pastor Lamor Whitehead at gunpoint was sentenced to seven years in jail on Monday after pleading guilty, according to the New York Post.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, on July 24, 2022, Whitehead, also known as the “Bling Bishop,” was conducting a sermon when a group of armed men raided his church and stole his and his wife’s valuables.
The robbery occurred during a live-streamed service at Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries. Following the event, authorities stated that Say-Quan Pollack and his accomplices stole $400,000 in jewelry from the bishop and his wife. After admitting to the crime, authorities finally convicted Pollack on Monday.
“Pollack has been held accountable for committing a bold robbery in a house of worship with a gun, terrorizing the men, women, and children participating in the religious service that Sunday morning,” US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said in a statement.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that we will punish such disgusting and dangerous behavior with considerable prison time.” For those victims who were devastated by this brutal murder committed in a place where they had gone to pray and worship, I hope that the prosecution of the offenders provides some closure.”
Pollack’s conviction follows Whitehead’s nine-year prison sentence in June for scamming one of his church members. Whitehead, known for his extravagant lifestyle, received a conviction for fraud and extortion.
Authorities accuse the convicted preacher of defrauding an elderly church member out of $90,000. He then spent the money on luxury items, according to the New York Post.
Pollack’s lawyer, Gary Villanueva, argued that the 25-year-old should receive a reduced term because of Whitehead’s conviction. However, Judge William Kuntz finally accepted the prosecution’s request for a seven-year prison sentence.
Pollack was also sentenced to pay the victims $402,639 in reparations, according to the statement. “Today’s sentencing holds Mr. Pollack accountable for his shameless acts and serves as a stark reminder to others who might think of committing similarly egregious crimes,” stated Commissioner Caban.
“With justice served, the NYPD, our partners at the ATF, and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York will continue doing everything possible to keep the public safe and ensure that there are always consequences for nefarious behavior.”
