Prosecutors also allege that Whitehead was caught on tape claiming, “I got guns in the church.” Since Whitehead was convicted of felony charges in 2008, he cannot legally possess firearms.
The claim resulted in a June 2022 FBI search of Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries, though no weapons were discovered and none of Whitehead’s current charges are related to gun violations.
In response to the charges against him, Whitehead told Daily News that he believes he is the victim of “entrapment” and that Belmonte is a “con man” who “set me up” because of “my relationship with the mayor.”
Whitehead has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and has been released on a $500,000 bond. If convicted on all counts, Whitehead could face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
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While on trial, Whitehead continues in his pastoral duties and could be seen preaching Easter services at Leaders of Tomorrow this past weekend.
