On August 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment of David Taylor and Michelle Brannon for operating a forced labor organization and for money laundering conspiracy. According to the DOJ, the defendants are leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church (“KOGGC”), formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (“JMMI”), who essentially operated a human trafficking ring and used the proceeds to support an extravagant lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry. The DOJ reported that both defendants were arrested as part of a nationwide takedown of their illegal operation.
According to the indictment, the defendants established call centers – first in Michigan and eventually in other U.S. locations, including Florida, Texas, and Missouri – that solicited donations for the KOGGC/JMMI on a daily basis. The individuals who worked in the call centers allegedly served as Taylor’s personal servants. The indictment alleges that the defendants controlled every aspect of the workers’ lives by forcing them to sleep at the call centers and work long hours without pay. The victims were also reportedly punished for disobeying Taylor’s and Brannon’s instructions and for failing reach monetary goals that were set by the defendants. The punishments included public humiliation, food and shelter restrictions, physical assaults, and sleep deprivation. Federal prosecutors reported that the call centers collected millions of dollars in donations each year for KOGGC/JMMI – funds that the defendants allegedly used to purchase luxury properties, luxury vehicles and sporting equipment, including a boat, jet skis and ATVs. According to federal prosecutors, KOGGC has received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014.
DOJ Press Release | Indictment