The woman facing charges for her alleged role in a forced labor and money-laundering conspiracy across multiple states has been extradited to Michigan to appear in federal court.
Michelle Brannon and David Taylor were arrested on Aug. 27, 2025, in North Carolina and Florida in what federal officials called a nationwide takedown of their alleged forced labor organization.
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According to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan, Taylor, who refers to himself as “Apostle,” and Brannon, his executive director, are the leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly Joshua Media Ministries International. The two are accused of victimizing people working at call centers that solicited donations for their organization in Michigan, Florida, Texas and Missouri.
Court documents claim that Taylor refers to himself as an Apostle and “Jesus’ best friend.” He reportedly claimed to have had multiple face-to-face encounters with God and that God had given him the keys to the Kingdom on Earth.
According to court records, Taylor and Brannon compelled people to work at their call centers and to work for Taylor as his “armor bearers.”
“Armor bearers” were Taylor’s personal servants who fulfilled his demands around the clock, officials said.
Related: He lured Michiganders by posing as God’s best friend. Then he took over their whole lives, feds say
“Taylor and Brannon controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in August.
The victims reportedly slept in the call center facility or in a “ministry” house, and Taylor and Brannon allegedly did not permit the victims to leave without permission.
Taylor reportedly claimed regularly that if someone fails to obey his orders and commands, they are defying God and will suffer in Hell.
In the court documents, further details of the case discussed how Taylor allegedly manipulated the workers and how Brannon played a role in the alleged abuse.
Text messages
Court documents released the following text messages Brannon allegedly sent to several workers:
Oct. 6, 2020, at 5:31 a.m.
“Media team no going to sleep until the Mosiac video is done!”
May 30, 2022, at 7:10 a.m.
“Did you rebuke him for this ?? He needs to be raked over the coals for this ?? He can die for this !!”
Oct. 19, 2022, at 11:46 p.m.
“FROM APOSTLE WARNING. . . TENT AND GARAGE JUDGMENT STARTING TONIGHT FOR 7 DAYS IF AFTER 7-14 Days There is no change it’s the public shelter for 1 solid month.”
Oct. 20, 2022, at 4:57 p.m.
“WARNING FROM APOSTLE. . . TOP 6 YOUR LOW NUMBERS EACH DAY. . . IT HAS TO STOP NOW. . . You will be punished constantly until you obey and train your heart and mind to obey the training. . .”
Read more: Texts from church leaders reveal treatment of call center workers in Michigan, other states
Federal charges
Taylor and Brannon face multiple charges including Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor, which carries up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000, Forced Labor, which carries up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, which carries up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions.
Brannon was extradited on Wednesday to be arraigned in federal court in Michigan.
Prosecutors claimed that Brannon is a danger to the community and poses a flight risk since the organization had locations in multiple states and asked the court to remand her.
On Sept. 24, 2025, Brannon’s attorney filed a motion stating that she should be released on bail because “she does not pose a danger to the community or any other person against which no combination of conditions of release can reasonably assure.”
According to her attorney, she suffered a cardiac event while she was in jail in Florida and underwent surgery. Brannon “suffered significant distress” and spent several days in the hospital.
Her attorney also claimed that she was manipulated and controlled by Taylor at a supervisory level.
The motion stated that if Brannon were released on bail, she would be released under the condition that she would have no contact with Taylor or any former members of the organization except her power of attorney, as she assists her with health care following Brannon’s recent cardiac surgery.
In the motion, Brannon suggested she could stay at her friend’s home in Northville or at a mansion in Florida that’s nearest to her cardiologist.
An arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Brannon is expected to appear, and it’s not clear if Taylor will appear.