Two self-proclaimed religious leaders, David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, have been arrested on charges of forced labor and exploitation after authorities uncovered a scheme involving the coercion of workers at call centers. The investigation revealed that Taylor and Brannon, leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), operated a network that compelled individuals to work long hours without pay, while their own lifestyles were marked by lavish spending on luxury properties and vehicles. The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on religious groups suspected of abusing their positions for financial gain and exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of faith.
Taylor, 53, and Brannon, 56, were arrested in North Carolina and Florida, respectively, as part of a nationwide operation led by federal prosecutors. The indictment details how the duo allegedly lured victims into their organization by claiming divine authority and promising spiritual enlightenment, only to subject them to harsh labor conditions and psychological abuse. Workers faced severe consequences, including sleep deprivation, public humiliation, and threats of divine punishment, if they failed to meet their donation targets or work quotas. Text messages from Taylor, including one from March 2022, reveal his demands for employees to work relentlessly and face punishment if they did not meet financial goals.
The call centers, which operated out of locations in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri, were used to solicit donations for the church, which allegedly amassed millions of dollars annually. However, much of the money was funneled into personal luxury goods such as a 28,000-square-foot home, Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and Bentleys. Prosecutors described the operations as a sophisticated money laundering scheme, where the proceeds of the alleged human trafficking ring funded a lifestyle of wealth and power under the guise of religious ministry. The FBI emphasized that the case highlights the dangers of religious exploitation, particularly when abuse occurs in the name of faith and charity.
Taylor, who claims to be Jesus’s best friend, also engaged in sexual relationships with several women in the organization, according to the indictment. The victims were allegedly encouraged to maintain secrecy and avoid forming close connections with one another, further isolating them from support. The case has drawn attention to the ways in which some religious leaders have exploited tax exemptions and lax oversight to enrich themselves, raising concerns about the potential for abuse within the nonprofit sector. As the case proceeds, the defendants face up to 60 years in prison and fines, signaling the severity with which the justice system is addressing such crimes.
Authorities have also noted that Taylor had previously lost his nonprofit tax-exempt status in 2019 but restructured the organization under a new name, KOGGC, and reapplied for exemption, which he successfully obtained. This raises questions about the loopholes that allow such organizations to operate without proper oversight. Experts warn that while the system permits religious institutions to function, the moral integrity of leadership is ultimately what determines whether these institutions serve their purpose or become tools for exploitation.