Federal agents arrested two leaders of a controversial religious organization on Wednesday in what authorities described as a wide-reaching forced labor and fraud case spanning multiple states.

According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay,  Michelle Brannon and David Taylor, leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, are facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a $50 million labor trafficking and money laundering operation that misused church donations and exploited followers.

The investigation led to coordinated FBI raids early Wednesday morning in several locations, including a mansion in Hillsborough County, Florida, and a hotel in Houston, Texas. Brannon, 56, was taken into custody at a 28,000-square-foot home in Tampa’s exclusive Avila neighborhood. Taylor, 53, was arrested in North Carolina.

Luxury lifestyle funded by church donations

According to the indictment, Brannon and Taylor misused millions in donations generated by their religious organization, which has operated under the names Kingdom of God Global Church and Joshua Media Ministries International. Since 2014, the church has reportedly raised approximately $50 million.

Authorities allege those funds were spent not on ministry needs, but rather on extravagant personal goods such as waterfront homes, high-end vehicles, boats, jet skis, and off-road vehicles. One property, where Brannon was arrested, was last purchased for over $8 million in 2022 and is officially owned by the church.

Residents in the wealthy Avila community expressed disbelief following the arrest. “It’s very surprising to hear that type of thing was going on right in your backyard,” said neighbor Sheilah Mauldin, noting even area homeowners questioned how a pastor could afford such a lavish estate.

Allegations detail control and restricted movement

Federal prosecutors describe an intense level of control exerted over church members, who were allegedly forced to live and work in call centers across Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan. Victims reportedly required permission to leave church-owned housing and were compelled to serve Taylor personally.

Some church members were forced into roles described as unpaid “armor bearers,” tasked with supporting Taylor around the clock. Other staffed the donation-driven call centers, which on their surface appeared legitimate but were allegedly powered by coerced labor.

The Department of Justice also outlined more serious accusations, including directives that involved women being transported to Taylor and required to take emergency contraceptives. Advocates warn these references may indicate deeper issues not fully reflected in the charges.

More than eight possible victims, say advocates

Martina Vandenberg, who leads the Human Trafficking Legal Center, noted that the indictment only specifies eight victims, but she believes there could be more. “These things look totally fine at the surface level,” she said, emphasizing that only when someone escapes can a case like this move forward.

She pointed out one particular paragraph in the court documents mentioning emergency contraceptives, which she called “a very cryptic reference” that could signal additional criminal behavior. Vandenberg added, “I hope that the alleged trafficking victims in this case… will get the support they need.”

Clara Reynolds, CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said the emotional effects on those who were allegedly trafficked could be long-lasting. “There’s going to be tremendous trauma associated with it,” she said, noting that such crimes can happen even in affluent suburbs.

Legal challenges begin for the accused

Following her arrest, Brannon was brought to a federal courthouse in Tampa, where she appeared without an attorney. She told the judge she had legal representation based out of St. Louis and Oklahoma, but had lost recent contact with those lawyers.

The judge postponed her hearing to Thursday and directed her to quickly secure local legal counsel. Taylor's status after his Wednesday arrest has not been detailed publicly, though he had been reported holding services in Michigan just days earlier.

Federal authorities have laid out a 10-count indictment for both defendants. The charges include forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

FBI command center and next steps

The FBI established a temporary command post at St. Joseph’s Hospital North in nearby Lutz, Florida, during the operation. The raids and arrests are part of an investigation that may continue to uncover further victims or defendants.

As federal prosecutors begin building their case, community members are left grappling with the shocking nature of the allegations. “I hope it's not true,” said neighbor Sheilah Mauldin. “But if it is, you know he deserves everything he's going to get.”

Officials and advocates alike emphasize that this high-profile case serves as a reminder: forced labor and exploitation can occur undetected, even in the most affluent areas.