Neighbors were surprised to see FBI agents and a SWAT team show up in North Tampa’s prestigious Avila neighborhood to raid a ten-bedroom mansion owned by a church.
What led to the raid? And who are the two people now indicted on ten federal criminal charges?
Who Was Arrested?
On August 27, 2025, the FBI conducted a raid on a property located at 706 Guisando De Avila in Tampa, Florida. The 10-bedroom, 10.5-bathroom, 28,000-square-foot home, last sold for $8 million, is owned by the Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI), as reported by FOX News 13.
The Kingdom of God Global Church is an organization run by David Taylor, 53, who refers to himself as “Apostle,” and Michelle Brannon, 56, who is described as the church’s Executive Director.
Both were arrested on August 27. Taylor was arrested in North Carolina, while Brannon was arrested at the mansion in Tampa. Their arrests were the result of a multi-state investigation of the church that led to a ten-count federal indictment.
What Are The Church Leaders Accused Of?
Taylor and Brannon are facing charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to the indictment, they exploited workers and forced labor under abusive conditions. Taylor and Brannon are said to have convinced people to work for them for free as personal servants, which they called “armor bearers.”
Additionally, the two are said to have run call centers in Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan where they forced workers to make calls to solicit donations for the church. In some cases, the workers were made to sleep in calling centers and live at properties owned by the church. They were also subject to punishment if they failed to meet their monetary goals.
According to The Department of Justice, “If victims disobeyed an order or failed to reach his monetary goals, Taylor and Brannon punished the victims with public humiliation, additional work, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, and eternal damnation.”
Since 2014, the call centers are said to have brought in roughly $50 million in donations.
Taylor and Brannon are accused of using the funds to live a lavish lifestyle. In addition to luxury homes, the pair bought expensive vehicles, boats, jet skis, and ATVs.
Former insiders and non-profit watchdog groups say the abuse has been going on for years, and it may also include human trafficking.
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Potential for Additional Charges
Looking at the indictment, some human trafficking advocates say there could be additional charges filed against Taylor and Brannon. The indictment lists eight victims and also references at least one woman who was required to use Plan B emergency contraceptives.
In a statement released by the Justice Department, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office said, “Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry.”
Martina Vandenberg, the president of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, thinks the case could encourage other victims to speak out which could lead to further indictments.
What’s Next for Church Leaders?
Taylor and Brannon currently face serious federal charges. The charges include:
- Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor, which carries the punishment of up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000
- Forced Labor, which carries the punishment up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000
- Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, which carries the punishment of up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions
Brannon, who was arrested in Florida, appeared in federal court without an attorney. She said she had representation based in St. Louis and Oklahoma, but the court was unable to reach the attorneys.
The federal case is expected to be heard in Michigan, per reported by FOX News 13.
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