Two American pastors have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly running a $50 million human trafficking and fraud scheme.
The suspects are David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, both leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International.
Taylor was picked up in Durham while Brannon was arrested in Tampa, Florida. Investigators said the illegal activities began around 2018 and lasted until July 2025.
Shortly after Taylor’s arrest, FBI agents raided a home in Durham connected to the church.
Taylor, who calls himself “Apostle and Jesus’s best friend,” claimed that his ministry was built on “face-to-face” encounters with God.The church operated call centers across several states to raise donations, reportedly collecting $50 million since 2014.
Instead of using the money for charity, prosecutors allege Taylor spent it on luxury homes, private flights, expensive cars including a Rolls Royce and Mercedes-Benz, bulletproof vehicles, ATVs, jet skis, and even $10,000 worth of seafood.
According to court documents, Taylor and Brannon forced followers to work long hours in the call centers without pay and to serve Taylor personally as “armor bearers,” catering to his needs day and night.
Victims were made to cook, clean, maintain his homes, drive him around, and even transport women while ensuring they took emergency contraceptives. Many followers were controlled so strictly that they slept in ministry houses or call centers and were not allowed to leave without permission.
Prosecutors also said the victims were pressured to cut ties with family and friends, give up outside jobs, and meet unrealistic fundraising targets. Those who failed were punished with humiliation, sleep deprivation, food restrictions, physical abuse, or threats of sickness and eternal damnation.
FBI records showed messages from Taylor demanding money and threatening consequences, such as withholding food, if targets were not met.
Victims were also forced to apply for EBT cards and claim homelessness so the benefits could be taken for church use.
Both Taylor and Brannon face charges of forced labor, conspiracy, and money laundering. If convicted, they could each spend more than 60 years in prison and pay fines of up to $1 million.
The case is being prosecuted in the Eastern District of Michigan after a nationwide FBI and IRS investigation.
