Federal authorities raided a Houston property tied to a religious ministry at the center of a $50 million forced labor and fraud case. Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church are accused of exploiting followers, running call centers under abusive conditions, and using donations to fund luxury lifestyles.
In a striking development, two individuals identifying as religious leaders have been charged by federal authorities in connection with a staggering $50 million scheme involving forced labor and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that this operation spanned multiple states, including Texas, with significant ties to the North Freeway corridor in Houston.
This week, David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, who head the Kingdom of God Global Church—previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International—faced indictment on 10 federal charges in the Eastern District of Michigan. A sweeping FBI operation spanning multiple states landed Taylor in handcuffs in North Carolina and apprehended Brannon in Florida.
Relatedly, FBI officials have verified that a law enforcement operation took place early Wednesday morning at a property owned by the ministry, located at 12701 North Freeway in Houston. While officials have remained tight-lipped about any arrests or seizures in the city, federal authorities have linked the property to the active investigation.
Prosecutors allege that Taylor and Brannon pressured their followers into enduring extensive, unpaid labor in ministry call centers and serving as Taylor’s personal attendants, referred to as “armor bearers.” Reports indicate that individuals were reportedly compelled to reside in housing overseen by the ministry, stripped of their freedom to exit at will, and faced psychological and physical mistreatment should they fail to achieve stringent fundraising targets.
The charges outline a variety of punitive measures, such as public humiliation, restrictions on food and shelter, sleep deprivation, and instances of physical violence. Prosecutors allege that Taylor orchestrated a scheme where victims were instructed to bring women to him, while ensuring that these individuals were provided with emergency contraceptives.
Prosecutors allege that since 2014, the ministry has amassed approximately $50 million in donations, a significant portion of which was misappropriated to fund luxury homes, vehicles, a boat, jet skis, and ATVs for the personal use of its leaders.
“The fight against human trafficking stands as a paramount concern for the Department of Justice,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. Reuben Coleman, the Acting FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge, emphasized that this case underscores the agency's steadfast dedication to safeguarding the American public from the threats of human exploitation and financial crimes.
IRS investigators characterized the purported financial network as one that concealed human trafficking beneath the guise of religious activities.
Taylor and Brannon are confronted with the possibility of 20 years in prison for each charge of forced labor, along with an extra 20 years for money laundering. Potential fines of up to $500,000, or double the amount of the laundered funds, are also awaiting Taylor and Brannon.
Taylor made a court appearance on Wednesday in Durham, North Carolina, as Brannon was set to appear in Tampa, Florida.
