FBI raid in Houston tied to $50M forced labor case against religious leaders

HOUSTON — Two self-professed religious leaders are facing federal charges in a nationwide case that prosecutors say involved forced labor, money laundering, and tens of millions in coerced donations — with ties to Texas, Michigan, Florida, and Missouri.

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church (formerly Joshua Media Ministries International). Both were arrested on Wednesday as part of a multi-state takedown — Taylor in North Carolina and Brannon in Florida.

https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/jmmi-houston-fbi-raid-interstate-45-north-freeway/285-c9032542-2f6c-40a1-b5e1-2b6e33629008

Religious Leader Who Calls Himself ‘Jesus’s Best Friend’ Made $50M from Human Trafficking, DOJ Says

Two self-professed religious leaders — including 53-year-old David Taylor, who calls himself “Apostle” and “Jesus’s best friend” — made approximately $50 million through forced labor at sites in Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Missouri, according to a grand jury indictment announced on Wednesday.

The scheme was sprawling, but simple: The ministry allegedly ran call centers across multiple states in which people were forced to work, sleep, and hit certain monetary goals. Then, the money was spent on a lavish lifestyle peppered with luxury properties and vehicles for the ministry leaders, according to federal officials.

https://thebarbedwire.com/2025/08/27/religious-leader-david-taylor-human-trafficking/