Two American pastors from the Kingdom of God Global Church have been arrested in connection with a $50 million human trafficking and fraud case.
Federal agents arrested 56-year-old Michelle Brannon at a luxurious church-owned mansion in Florida’s Avila neighbourhood. Meanwhile, 53-year-old Pastor David Taylor was taken into custody in North Carolina. The FBI also conducted raids in Texas, Michigan, Missouri, and Houston on Wednesday.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Brannon and Taylor ran a ring where victims worked long hours without pay in call centres across several states. They were referred to as “armour bearers” and lived on the premises, under tight control. Authorities also allege that victims were forced to transport women and administer Plan B, raising further concerns of coercion and manipulation.
The church raised approximately $50 million in donations from 2014, which prosecutors say was used not for charity but to buy luxury real estate, vehicles, boats, jet skis, and ATVs.
Both defendants now face a 10-count federal indictment charging them with forced labour, conspiracy to commit forced labour, and money laundering. If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in prison per offence, along with substantial fines.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated: “Combating human trafficking is a top priority… We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge.” U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. added that the case reflects the strength of coordinated federal enforcement efforts.
Additionally, IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI emphasised that disguising trafficking profits as ministry funds constitutes serious financial and moral crimes. Acting FBI agent Reuben Coleman praised the nationwide collaboration that made the arrests possible.
Brannon appeared in court in Tampa, with the judge expressing concern over her legal representation and ordering her to secure local counsel before her next hearing Thursday.
