A federal grand jury has indicted two self-professed religious leaders accused of running a forced labor and money laundering scheme that prosecutors say exploited victims across several states and raised about $50 million in donations.
David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, were arrested Wednesday in North Carolina and Florida.
Federal agents also carried out raids tied to the case in Taylor, Michigan, as well as in Florida and Houston, Texas.
According to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon led the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Taylor, who called himself an “Apostle,” established his first call center in Taylor, Michigan, before expanding to other states.
The indictment alleges victims were forced to live in ministry houses or call center facilities and were not allowed to leave without permission. Many worked as “armor bearers,” serving Taylor around the clock, while others were required to bring in donations through daily phone calls.
Prosecutors say Taylor and Brannon demanded victims apply for government Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards by claiming to be homeless, then hand those cards over to the church. According to the indictment, funds from federal SNAP benefits were used to purchase food for KOGGC staff.
Victims were also allegedly instructed to falsely tell donors that money would be used for charitable causes such as “providing water wells for impoverished communities overseas or supporting victims of human trafficking.”
The indictment describes a system of punishments for those who disobeyed or failed to meet donation goals. Victims were subjected to public humiliation, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of spiritual damnation.
Court records include text messages in which Taylor and Brannon allegedly gave direct orders for punishments:
• Brannon told a media team in 2020: “Media team no going to sleep until the Mosaic video is done!”
• In May 2021, Taylor wrote: “You’ll have to raise $164k today!! Each hour you fall behind consequences will start… we will mess with the food… As of now there’s a 21 day peanut butter and jelly regiment… they will fast until they obey.”
• In another message, Taylor directed: “Pour water on everyone’s faces that’s half way sleeping and not working wake them up now!!”
Victims were allegedly made to work until 4 a.m., then get up again by 8 a.m., often surviving only on soup, bread, and water.
Between 2014 and 2025, the indictment states the organization collected about $50 million in donations. Prosecutors say much of the money was funneled into accounts controlled by Taylor and Brannon, then used to fund an extravagant lifestyle. Purchases allegedly included luxury homes, luxury cars, a boat, jet skis, and ATVs.
Taylor and Brannon face multiple charges. Both appeared in court Wednesday, Taylor in North Carolina and Brannon in Florida.
