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Lamor Miller-Whitehead, a Brooklyn preacher known for his expensive taste and connections with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is facing trial in Manhattan federal court after being accused of exploiting a parishioner’s retirement savings and attempting to extort a businessman to support his extravagant lifestyle.

The trial, which began with jury selection, comes two years after Miller-Whitehead was indicted on charges including wire fraud and attempted extortion. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

Miller-Whitehead’s arrest followed an incident where he was robbed of $1 million in jewelry during a church service. The Bishop’s attorney, Dawn Florio, said, “Bishop Whitehead has pled not guilty and is looking forward to having his day in court so that he can fight these charges.”

The case has drawn attention due to Miller-Whitehead’s friendship with Mayor Eric Adams, raising questions about his purported use of these connections to commit the alleged crimes. Prosecutors’ requests hint at the mayor’s relationship with Miller-Whitehead potentially being scrutinized during the trial, with allegations that the Bishop promised a businessman a direct connection to the mayor in return for money.

Mayor Adams has distanced himself from the allegations, insisting on a lack of knowledge of Miller-Whitehead’s actions.