Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International, have been arrested in a nationwide FBI operation over alleged forced labour, human trafficking, and money laundering.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced that Michelle Brannon, 56, was arrested at a church-owned mansion in Tampa, Florida, while David Taylor, 53, was picked up in North Carolina. FBI agents also raided a Houston hotel linked to the church.
According to a 10-count indictment, Taylor and Brannon ran call centres across Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan to solicit donations, raking in more than $50 million since 2014. Victims were allegedly forced to work without pay in the call centres or serve Taylor personally, with strict restrictions on their movements.
Federal prosecutors also accuse the pair of using church funds to purchase luxury homes, vehicles, boats, jet skis, and other assets while controlling every aspect of victims’ lives.
They each face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit forced labour and conspiracy to commit money laundering offences that carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the arrests highlight the DOJ’s commitment to combating human trafficking. U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. added that the case was made possible through a broad collaboration of federal and local agencies.
Brannon made an initial court appearance in Tampa but told the judge her lawyers were unreachable. Her hearing was adjourned to Thursday.
