Federal prosecutors say two religious leaders ran a $50 million forced-labor trafficking scheme under the guise of a church, prompting an FBI raid at a Houston property linked to their ministry.
This week, federal agents conducted a raid on a former hotel in north Harris County, which is a notable turning point in a broad investigation into a $50 million forced-labor and fraud scheme. The scheme is linked to religious leaders who are accused of taking advantage of their followers across multiple states.
Early Wednesday, the FBI confirmed that it carried out an operation at a property formerly a hotel and now associated with JMMI Global, an affiliate of the Kingdom of God Global Church. Located off the North Freeway, this site is one of several ministry campuses related to the organization.
A federal grand jury in Michigan has issued a 10-count indictment against David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, who are at the helm of the ministry formerly recognized as Joshua Media Ministries International. Taylor found himself in handcuffs in North Carolina, while Brannon faced similar circumstances in Florida, all part of a well-orchestrated multi-state operation.
Prosecutors allege that the group operated like a forced-labor trafficking ring. Individuals found themselves confined to call centers or “ministry houses,” stripped of their freedom to depart, and coerced into generating millions in contributions.
Court filings reveal that nearly every facet of their existence was dictated, encompassing everything from meals and sleep routines to job opportunities and financial matters. The charges against Taylor and Brannon allege a pattern of severe mistreatment, encompassing humiliation, sleep deprivation, food restrictions, physical assaults, and threats of eternal damnation for any disobedience.
Reports indicate that certain followers, referred to as “armor bearers,” were purportedly instructed to escort women to Taylor and guarantee that they took emergency contraceptives afterward. Prosecutors revealed that since 2014, the ministry has amassed approximately $50 million through coerced donations.
Court documents reveal that a significant portion of the funds was allocated to extravagant acquisitions, featuring several Bentleys, a Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz cars, jet skis, ATVs, and even a lavish $10,000 spent on king crab legs and seafood shears.
“The charges against David Taylor and Michelle Brannon highlight the tireless determination of the FBI to safeguard the American public from the threats of human trafficking and financial misconduct,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office.
If found guilty, the two defendants could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years behind bars for charges related to forced labor and conspiracy, along with further consequences for money laundering offenses.
Residents in the vicinity of the Houston property expressed that they had harbored suspicions of peculiar happenings for quite some time. “It’s just strange behavior—individuals glancing through windows and quickly hiding if they catch your eye,” remarked Vincent Escobedo, who is employed next door. “There are certainly elements that resemble cult-like behavior.”
Taylor and Brannon were expected to make their first court appearances on Wednesday in North Carolina and Florida.
