• Federal prosecutors unsealed a sweeping indictment against two church leaders accused of running a nationwide forced labor ring.
• The alleged scheme spanned multiple states and funneled millions into luxury lifestyles under a religious façade.
• The case highlights a growing Justice Department crackdown on human trafficking and financial exploitation in faith-based organizations.

DETROIT, Mich. (TDR) — A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan has indicted David Taylor and Michelle Brannon on ten felony counts tied to what authorities describe as a years-long forced labor scheme spanning Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. The indictment also charges the pair with money laundering, underscoring how religious organizations are being scrutinized for alleged abuse of faith and finances.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon called the charges part of a broader human trafficking crackdown. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims,” she said.

Allegations of Forced Servitude

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Taylor, 53, known to followers as “Apostle,” and Brannon, 56, his executive director, allegedly ran Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC) — formerly Joshua Media Ministries International — as a front for systemic labor abuse. Victims were compelled to work at church call centers and serve as Taylor’s personal “armor bearers,” performing tasks around the clock.

Prosecutors allege victims were subjected to psychological coercion, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, and threats of divine judgment. Court filings also describe restrictions on food and shelter, as well as physical punishment for failing to meet Taylor’s high fundraising quotas.

“Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring,” said Karen Wingerd, special agent in charge of IRS-CI Detroit. The indictment claims Taylor and Brannon siphoned donations into luxury lifestyles — purchasing properties, boats, and high-end vehicles.

National Scope of the Investigation

The FBI’s Detroit field office led the operation, supported by agents in Tampa, Houston, Jacksonville, Charlotte, and St. Louis. Officials said this case is part of a broader multi-state investigation into fraudulent ministries and trafficking networks.

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Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman said, “The alleged actions are deeply troubling. This indictment demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast efforts to protect the American people from human exploitation and financial crimes.”

Taylor reportedly received roughly $50 million in donations since 2014, much of it allegedly raised through coercion. Victims were pressured to meet unrealistic fundraising targets and were punished if they failed.

Victim Control and Exploitation

Authorities allege victims were not permitted to leave church facilities without permission. Many slept in call centers or designated “ministry houses.” Court documents say women were transported to Taylor’s location and forced to take emergency contraceptives.

Former staffers described a culture of control where loyalty to Taylor was demanded under threat of spiritual retribution.

Charges and Penalties

Taylor and Brannon face:

• Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine.
• Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine.
• Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines up to twice the value of laundered assets.

Each defendant appeared in federal court Tuesday — Taylor in Durham, N.C., and Brannon in Tampa, Fla.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James will prosecute the case as part of DOJ’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

Broader Context

This indictment arrives as the Trump administration has elevated anti-trafficking enforcement as part of its immigration and domestic safety agenda. Federal statistics show assaults on ICE and FBI agents have surged alongside growing threats against law enforcement, reflecting heightened tensions around immigration and crime policy.

The case raises a stark question: how many more so-called ministries are exploiting faith for profit under the guise of salvation?

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