Federal Indictment Alleges Forced Labor and Abuse Across Multiple States
TAMPA, Fla. – Federal agents raided a lavish mansion in Tampa’s exclusive Avila neighborhood Wednesday morning, arresting two self-proclaimed religious leaders on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and forced labor. The arrests follow a multi-year investigation into the leaders of the “Kingdom of God Global Church” (KOGGC), who are accused of physically and mentally abusing followers to solicit tens of millions of dollars.
The FBI confirmed that agents executed a search warrant at the sprawling estate, which is owned by the church’s leadership. The operation led to the apprehension of 56-year-old Michelle Brannon, who was arrested in Tampa. Her co-conspirator, 53-year-old David Taylor, was taken into custody in North Carolina.
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A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against Taylor and Brannon on Wednesday for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
“Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”
The indictment alleges that Taylor, who refers to himself as “Apostle,” and Brannon, his Executive Director, are the leaders of KOGGC, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Their organization ran a call center that solicited millions of dollars in donations each year.
According to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon allegedly compelled their victims to work at call centers and serve as Taylor’s “armor bearers” — personal servants who were required to fulfill his demands around the clock. The pair is accused of controlling every aspect of their victims’ daily lives, dictating where they slept and when they were permitted to leave.
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Disturbing details in the indictment include allegations that Taylor demanded his armor bearers transport women from ministry houses, airports, and other locations to his location and ensured these women took Plan B emergency contraceptives.
The indictment further states that victims were forced to work long hours without pay and were subjected to psychological and physical abuse if they disobeyed orders or failed to meet monetary goals. Punishments allegedly included public humiliation, sleep deprivation, food and shelter restrictions, and threats of “divine judgment.”
“We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers and seek justice for their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office, noted that the alleged money laundering “funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry.” The indictment alleges that Taylor received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014, which he and Brannon used to purchase luxury properties, vehicles, and sporting equipment.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office credited a multi-agency effort, including the FBI’s Detroit, Tampa, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Houston offices, along with the IRS and various state and local law enforcement partners, for the success of the nationwide operation.
Taylor was scheduled to appear in court in Durham, North Carolina, while Brannon was slated to appear in Tampa, Florida. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for forced labor and up to 20 years for money laundering, in addition to significant fines.
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