Religious Leaders Charged With $50M Forced

Two religious leaders are alleged to have run a coercive scheme that forced devotees into unpaid labor and steered tens of millions in donations toward luxury purchases. David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56—who ran Kingdom of God Global Church—are alleged to have housed victims in ministry properties, barred them from leaving without permission, and imposed unattainable donation goals, with punishments ranging from public humiliation to sleep deprivation. Investigators estimate Taylor received about $50 million in donations since 2014. “We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers and seek justice for their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. In the 10-count indictment, per the Justice Department, prosecutors also say “armor bearers” transported women to Tayl