News Summary
David Taylor and Michelle Brannon of the Kingdom of God Global Church have been indicted for forced labor and money laundering. They allegedly coerced individuals to work without pay in a Florida call center. The indictment reveals a pattern of abuse, psychological manipulation, and financial misconduct, raising concerns about exploitation within religious organizations. The investigation is ongoing, with federal agents conducting raids related to the case and assessing the number of victims involved.
Florida
Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, have been indicted on charges of forced labor and money laundering. Their arrests occurred on Wednesday, with Taylor apprehended in North Carolina and Brannon in Florida.
The indictment outlines serious allegations that the pair coerced individuals to work in a call center located in Ocala, Florida, without pay. This operation is said to have victimized eight individuals from states including Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri, who were made to work as “armor bearers”—personal servants responsible for fulfilling Taylor’s demands.
Federal agents have taken action by conducting raids at properties linked to the investigation in Tampa, Florida, and Houston, Texas. The raids were a part of a larger investigation that has revealed the KOGGC, previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI), solicited daily donations through its call centers.
Nature of Allegations
According to the indictment, the individuals coerced into labor were extensively controlled, often sleeping at the call center or in ministry houses, and were barred from leaving without permission. This manipulation extended to strict guidelines about their behavior, with punishment for disobedience frequently involving psychological abuse, physical assault, sleep deprivation, and threats of divine judgment.
Specific allegations include demands that armor bearers transport women for Taylor, who reportedly required those women to take emergency contraceptives. The victims frequently worked long hours without remuneration and were pressured to meet unattainable monetary donation goals imposed by Taylor.
Financial Misconduct
Since at least 2014, records indicate that KOGGC/JMMI has raised approximately $50 million in donations. The indictment alleges that these funds were unlawfully diverted for the purchase of luxury properties, vehicles, and recreational equipment. Authorities are still determining the total number of victims involved and whether additional arrests or investigations will follow.
Punishments and Control Tactics
Reports indicate that individuals faced various forms of punishment for failing to comply with the leaders’ orders. These included public humiliation, forced additional labor, restrictions on basic needs such as food and shelter, and threats of religious repercussions, creating an environment of fear and domination.
Potential Consequences
Taylor and Brannon now face serious indictments, including charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Should they be found guilty, each charge carries the potential of a 20-year prison sentence.
The investigation remains active, with the FBI not confirming the total number of victims or whether future legal action will involve other church members. Neighbors of the Ocala property have noted that while activity was noticeable after the church leaders moved in, the area has become quieter in recent years.
The unfolding legal proceedings surrounding Taylor and Brannon highlight significant concerns about exploitation and labor violations within religious organizations, calling attention to the complex intersections of faith and law in contemporary society.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WCJB: Two Ministry Leaders Indicted
- Wikipedia: Forced Labor
- WESH: Florida Church Leaders Charged
- Google Search: Forced Labor Case Florida
- Fox 35 Orlando: Federal Charges Against Leaders
- Google Scholar: Forced Labor Organizations
- Ocala: FBI Visit in Forced Labor Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Money Laundering
- Click Orlando: Religious Leaders Used Forced Labor
- Google News: Florida Religious Leaders Arrested
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange 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 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
