In a nationwide law enforcement operation, two individuals have been charged in connection with a sprawling human trafficking and money laundering scheme spanning multiple states.
The federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against 53-year-old David Taylor and 56-year-old Michelle Brannon, who were arrested today in North Carolina and Florida.
Authorities say the pair allegedly exploited victims across Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to ending human trafficking. “Combating human trafficking is a top priority,” she said.
“We are relentlessly pursuing justice for the victims.”
The Alleged Scheme Behind Kingdom of God Global Church
Taylor and Brannon are accused of leading the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI).
Taylor reportedly called himself “Apostle,” while Brannon served as his Executive Director.
Their organization allegedly operated call centers that solicited millions of dollars in donations every year.
According to the indictment, victims were forced to work long hours in the call centers without pay and also served as Taylor’s personal “armor bearers,” fulfilling his demands around the clock.
Victims lived in ministry houses or on call center premises and were not allowed to leave without permission.
Alleged Abuse and Control of Victims
The indictment details severe methods of control, including forced transportation of women, mandatory use of emergency contraceptives, public humiliation, physical assault, sleep deprivation, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, and threats of divine punishment.
Taylor allegedly set impossible monetary donation goals for victims and punished those who failed to meet them.
Victims were compelled to adhere to strict rules and perform services both for the call centers and for Taylor personally.
Authorities describe these acts as part of a broader forced labor conspiracy intertwined with money laundering.
Misuse of Donations and Lavish Lifestyle
Investigators say that Taylor and Brannon funneled millions of dollars in donations into personal luxuries.
The indictment claims that Taylor purchased high-end properties, luxury vehicles, boats, jet skis, and ATVs using funds from KOGGC/JMMI.
Overall, Taylor is alleged to have received around $50 million in donations since 2014.
Special Agent Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation Detroit Field Office highlighted the connection between financial crimes and human trafficking. “Money laundering is tax evasion in progress,” she said.
“In this case, it funded a human trafficking ring while masking a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry.”
Nationwide Law Enforcement Effort
The arrests and indictment were part of a coordinated operation involving the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with support from multiple field offices across the U.S., including Tampa, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Houston, as well as local, county, and state law enforcement agencies.
Acting Special Agent Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office praised the multi-agency effort, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to protecting Americans from human exploitation and financial crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
David Taylor is set to appear in Durham, North Carolina, while Michelle Brannon will appear in Tampa, Florida.
Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry severe penalties:
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Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor: up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
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Forced Labor: up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
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Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering: up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 or twice the value of laundered properties.
The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Reporting Human Trafficking
Authorities urge anyone with information about human trafficking to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, available 24/7.
Additional resources are available at www.humantraffickinghotline.org and the Department of Justice’s human trafficking page at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
It’s important to remember that an indictment is only an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
