A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan has indicted two individuals for their alleged involvement in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that affected victims across Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, were arrested in North Carolina and Florida as part of a coordinated operation targeting their organization.
According to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon led Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Taylor called himself “Apostle” while Brannon served as his Executive Director. The organization operated call centers soliciting donations daily for KOGGC/JMMI, beginning in Taylor, Michigan and expanding to other states.
The indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon compelled individuals to work at these call centers or serve as “armor bearers,” fulfilling personal demands for Taylor around the clock. Victims reportedly had restricted freedom of movement, with some sleeping in the facilities or ministry houses without permission to leave. The document also details how armor bearers were tasked with transporting women for Taylor and ensuring they took Plan B emergency contraceptives.
Victims were required to work long hours without pay or perform other services. Donation goals set by Taylor were described as unattainable. Those who failed to meet expectations allegedly faced punishments including public humiliation, increased workloads, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats involving sickness or eternal damnation.
Prosecutors state that KOGGC/JMMI collected millions annually through these practices. Much of the money was spent on luxury items such as properties, vehicles, a boat, jet skis, and ATVs. Since 2014, approximately $50 million in donations was received by Taylor.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said: “Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice. We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., representing the Eastern District of Michigan, added: “We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers and seek justice for their victims. A case like this is only possible through a concerted effort with our federal partners across the country and the non-governmental agencies who provide victim support. We thank them all.”
Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office stated: “The indictment of David Taylor and Michelle Brannon demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast efforts to protect the American people from human exploitation and financial crimes, including forced labor and money laundering… The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate those who violate federal law and remain focused on ensuring the protection and safety of our nation.”
Karen Wingerd from IRS Criminal Investigation noted: “Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry… IRS-CI stands committed to fighting human trafficking and labor exploitation.”
Taylor is scheduled to appear on the indictment in Durham, North Carolina; Brannon will appear in Tampa, Florida.
If convicted on all charges—conspiracy to commit forced labor; forced labor; conspiracy to commit money laundering—the defendants could each face up to 20 years’ imprisonment per charge along with substantial fines.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI alongside IRS Criminal Investigation. Prosecution will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen (Eastern District of Michigan) and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James (Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit).
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
