Two people have been indicted for 10 charges by a federal grand jury for their alleged connection to a "forced labor and money laundering conspiracy" that involved victims in Texas and three other states, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, were arrested in North Carolina and Florida on Wednesday for their roles in what authorities are calling a "forced labor organization." The crimes victimized individuals in Texas, Michigan, Florida and Missouri.
"Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. "We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims."
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. of the Eastern District of Michigan lauded "federal partners across the country and the non-governmental agencies who provide victim support." The DOJ's press release identified several FBI field offices as aiding in Taylor and Brannon's arrests.
The defendants laundered money to fund "an alleged human trafficking ring and [support] a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry," according to Detroit IRS special agent Karen Wingerd, who added that the Criminal Investigation unit "stands committed to fighting human trafficking and labor exploitation, and pursuing those who hide their profits gained from the extreme victimization of the vulnerable."
Who are David Taylor and Michelle Brannon?
Taylor and Brannon have been accused of being leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), which was formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Taylor allegedly identifies as "Apostle" and calls Brannon his "Executive Director." Their organization operated call centers that requested donations on a daily basis, with Taylor creating the first center in Taylor, Michigan, before expanding to other states.
According to the DOJ, the two would convince their victims to work at the call centers. Taylor also had them work as his "armor bearers," acting as his personal servants. Taylor and Brannon reportedly "controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims," who slept at the call centers or in a designated "ministry" house and were not allowed to "leave without permission." Authorities say those working as Taylor's servants were instructed to bring women to him from ministry houses, airports and other places. Taylor also made sure the women took Plan B emergency contraceptives.
The indictment also says Taylor and Brennan would make victims work long hours without pay and set "unobtainable" donation goals. The individuals were expected to obey Taylor without question. If goals weren't met or an order wasn't obeyed, the victim would be subjected to a variety of punishments, including:
public humiliation
additional work
food and shelter restrictions
psychological abuse
forced repentance
sleep deprivation
physical assault
threats of divine judgment
Each year, the call centers would bring in millions of dollars in donations, which Taylor and Brannon allegedly used to buy luxury properties and vehicles as well as sports equipment like a boat, jet skis and ATVs. It's estimated that Taylor received $50 million in donations since 2014.
What consequences are Taylor and Brannon facing?
The DOJ's release lists the penalties Taylor and Brannon could face if convicted of their alleged crimes:
Conspiracy to commit forced labor: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
Forced labor: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000
Conspiracy to commit money laundering: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS-CI investigated the case, and an assistant U.S. attorney and a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit will prosecute it.
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