In a sweeping multi-state enforcement action on August 27, 2025, the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation arrested two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International.
David E. Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, are accused of masterminding a decade-long scheme that prosecutors say exploited vulnerable followers, siphoned millions in donations, and enforced control through abuse disguised as religious discipline.
Allegations of Human Trafficking and Control
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a 10-count indictment, charging the pair with:
- Conspiracy to commit forced labor
- Forced labour
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Prosecutors allege that Taylor, who referred to himself as “Apostle,” and Brannon, his executive director, ran call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Members were coerced into making nonstop donation appeals and punished if they failed to meet Taylor’s strict monetary targets.
Beyond call centers, victims were forced to act as Taylor’s “armor bearers”—personal servants who attended to him around the clock. They reportedly lived in church-controlled houses or even slept inside call center facilities, rarely allowed to leave without permission.
The indictment claims Taylor and Brannon used sleep deprivation, humiliation, food restrictions, physical abuse, and threats of eternal damnation to maintain control. Victims were also tasked with transporting women to Taylor and allegedly pressured them into taking Plan B contraceptives afterward.
Millions in Donations for a Lavish Lifestyle
Federal authorities estimate the church collected around $50 million in donations since 2014. While framed as charitable contributions, much of the money allegedly went toward a luxury lifestyle: mansions, expensive cars, boats, jet skis, and ATVs.
Brannon was arrested at a gated mansion in Tampa, Florida, while Taylor was taken into custody in Durham, North Carolina. Simultaneous raids occurred in multiple states with support from FBI field offices in Detroit, Tampa, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Houston, along with local law enforcement.
Voices from the DOJ and FBI
Senior officials underscored the severity of the case.
- Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division: “Combating human trafficking is a top priority. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”
- Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan: “This case was only possible through concerted efforts with federal partners and victim support agencies.”
- Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office: “The indictment demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast efforts to protect the American people from human exploitation and financial crimes. The alleged actions are deeply troubling.”
- Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Detroit: “Money laundering is tax evasion in progress. Here, the proceeds allegedly funded a trafficking ring under the guise of a religious ministry.”
Legal Stakes
If convicted, Taylor and Brannon each face up to 20 years in prison per forced labour charge and up to 20 years plus fines of $500,000 or more for money laundering.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James of the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Wider Context
For years, former members accused Taylor’s ministry of cult-like control and exploitation. This federal indictment now brings those allegations into a courtroom, with prosecutors framing the case as both human trafficking and financial fraud under religious cover.
Authorities have urged anyone with knowledge of similar abuses to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888).
