Great Lakes Wire

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan has indicted David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, on charges related to forced labor and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon led a forced labor organization operating in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Both were arrested as part of a nationwide operation.

According to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon led Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). The organization allegedly operated call centers soliciting donations daily from across the United States. Victims were compelled to work long hours without pay at these call centers or serve as “armor bearers,” fulfilling personal demands for Taylor around the clock. The indictment states that victims’ movements were controlled and they could not leave facilities without permission.

The document further alleges that Taylor set unattainable fundraising goals for workers. Those who failed to meet these targets or disobeyed orders reportedly faced punishments such as public humiliation, additional work, deprivation of food and shelter, psychological abuse, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment.

Prosecutors say KOGGC/JMMI received millions in donations annually through its call centers. Funds were allegedly used by Taylor and Brannon to purchase luxury properties, vehicles, and recreational equipment. Since 2014, approximately $50 million in donations was received by Taylor.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated: “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 for the Eastern District of Michigan Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said: “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, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office added: “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 alleged actions are deeply troubling. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Field Office, with strong support from our federal and agency partners in the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Jacksonville Field Office, FBI St. Louis Field Office, FBI Charlotte Field Office, FBI Houston Field Office, and the Detroit IRS-CI Field Office, in addition to several local, county and state law enforcement partners, for their role in executing this multi-state operation. 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 said: “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, and pursuing those who hide their profits gained from the extreme victimization of the vulnerable.”

Taylor is scheduled to appear on these charges in Durham, North Carolina; Brannon will appear in Tampa, Florida.

If convicted on all counts—conspiracy to commit forced labor; forced labor; conspiracy to commit money laundering—the defendants face up to 20 years’ imprisonment per count as well as significant fines.

The investigation was conducted by both FBI agents from multiple field offices across several states along with IRS Criminal Investigation teams.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen for the Eastern District of Michigan along with Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James from the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

Authorities remind that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.