News Summary
David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, self-identified leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, face federal charges for running a multi-state operation linked to forced labor and money laundering. The FBI conducted raids and claims the organization coerced nearly $50 million in donations since 2014, threatening members with ‘divine judgment’. Observations suggest cult-like activities, prompting investigations into their practices and lifestyle supported by the alleged trafficking scheme. Both could face significant prison time if convicted.
Detroit, Michigan – Two self-identified religious leaders, David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, have been charged with federal offenses relating to a multi-state operation involving forced labor and money laundering. The allegations stem from their leadership roles within the Kingdom of God Global Church, previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). A ten-count indictment was issued by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan.
The arrests of Taylor and Brannon were executed during a coordinated multi-state operation, with Taylor detained in North Carolina and Brannon captured in Florida. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, conducted raids on properties linked to JMMI, which included a former hotel located in north Harris County, Texas.
Federal prosecutors have accused the organization of functioning as a forced-labor trafficking ring that employed both physical and psychological abuses against its members. Victims reportedly faced coercion to solicit donations, threatened with “divine judgment” for not meeting established fundraising quotas. This manipulation allegedly led to the collection of around $50 million in coerced donations since 2014. The funds were purportedly used to maintain a lifestyle characterized by luxury homes, high-end vehicles, boats, jet skis, and ATVs.
The indictment detailed that the money laundering was designed to conceal the lavish spending as legitimate expenses of a religious ministry. Observations from the community near the Houston ministry property suggested cult-like activities within the organization, raising further concerns regarding its operations.
The FBI’s Acting Special Agent in Charge, Reuben Coleman, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating human exploitation and financial crimes in connection to this case. If found guilty, both Taylor and Brannon could face up to 20 years in prison for the forced labor charges, along with additional sentences for the associated money laundering charges.
Witnesses have reported a range of control tactics used by Taylor and Brannon, including deprivation of food and sleep, alongside various methods of psychological manipulation aimed at ensuring obedience among followers. Taylor, in particular, has indicated personal experiences of divine encounters, which he allegedly used to justify extreme measures to enforce submission within the group.
The operation has attracted scrutiny, with former members and observers within the community characterizing it as a cult. IRS investigators have indicated that the alleged laundering activities supported a human trafficking scheme that masqueraded as a religious ministry. As a result of this investigation, the FBI has urged anyone with knowledge or information regarding the case to reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Following their arrests, initial court appearances for both Taylor and Brannon are expected to occur shortly. As the case unfolds, it has captured the attention of both local and national authorities, revealing the darker side of religious organizations that reportedly exploit their followers for financial gain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FBI Raids Houston Ministry Over Human Trafficking Allegations
Additional Resources
- KHOU
- Wikipedia: Human trafficking in the United States
- CW39
- Google Search: forced labor schemes
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Scholar: money laundering religious organizations
- Rolling Out
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Religion
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Google News: church leaders indicted
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
