U.S. Church Leaders Arrested in Federal Multi-Million Dollar Human Trafficking and Fraud Case
Two leaders of a U.S.-based religious organization, Michelle Brannon and David Taylor, have been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with a sweeping multi-million dollar fraud and human trafficking conspiracy, according to The Gazelle News.
Their arrests followed coordinated raids across multiple states on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Brannon, 56, was taken into custody at a mansion in Tampa’s exclusive Avila neighborhood, while Taylor, 53, was apprehended in North Carolina. Both are senior figures in the Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly Joshua Media Ministries International.
According to a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the pair are accused of operating a nationwide scheme involving forced labor, human trafficking, and money laundering. A 10-count federal indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon used church-run call centers in Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan to solicit tens of millions of dollars in donations under false pretenses.
Victims were allegedly coerced into working long hours in call centers and serving Taylor personally as unpaid aides, referred to internally as “armor bearers.” They reportedly lived under strict control, with movement restricted and permission required to leave church premises. Some were allegedly instructed to escort women to Taylor and administer Plan B contraceptives afterward.
The DOJ estimates that since 2014, the church has received more than $50 million in donations. Much of the money was allegedly used to purchase luxury homes, vehicles, boats, jet skis, and other personal items.
Taylor and Brannon now face multiple felony charges including conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering—each carrying penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison. Conspiracy to commit money laundering could also result in fines up to $500,000 or double the value of the laundered assets.
The arrests were part of a nationwide crackdown led by the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, with support from field offices in Tampa, Houston, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and others, along with the IRS Criminal Investigation unit.
“This case represents a disturbing abuse of faith and power,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman. “The FBI remains committed to investigating exploitation under the guise of religious leadership.”
Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI Detroit, added: “Money laundering in this context is not just about tax evasion—it’s about profiting from the systematic abuse of vulnerable individuals.”
Brannon made an initial court appearance in Tampa later on Wednesday, but lacked legal representation. She told the judge she had retained two attorneys based in St. Louis and Oklahoma, but had not been in contact with them. The hearing was adjourned until Thursday, with the judge advising her to find a local attorney in the meantime.
