*Internet and television apostle David Taylor was arrested in North Carolina on Wednesday after the FBI conducted multi-state raids on several of his properties. Taylor, leader of the Kingdom of God Global Church (formerly Joshua Media Ministries), was arrested along with his executive director, Michelle Brannon, on 10 federal counts of forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that alleges they exploited dozens of individuals working in call centers they operated around the country. The indictment was filed in Michigan, where the trial is expected to take place. Brannon was arrested in Florida. The Department of Justice described the case as a major human trafficking operation under the façade of a religious ministry.
Taylor and Brannon operated call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri, where unpaid workers—referred to as “armor bearers”— solicited donations.
“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,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. “IRS-CI stands committed to fighting human trafficking and labor exploitation, and pursuing those who hide their profits gained from the extreme victimization of the vulnerable.”
Victims reportedly suffered psychological and physical abuse and were deprived of sleep, food, and freedom of movement. They worked for extended hours without compensation. Some were allegedly forced to sleep in garages or ministry houses, as indicated in a 20-page court filing, and were punished if they failed to meet daily fundraising quotas. According to the DOJ, punishment could include “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.”
Above: Viral video of 2015 court deposition of Taylor being questioned about how he was using donations to support his extravagant lifestyle.
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The ministry has reportedly raised over $50 million in call center operations since 2014. While depriving workers of pay, Taylor and Brannon lived lavishly, purchasing luxury cars, boats, jet skis, and real estate.
A bystander told CBS 13 in Durham, NC, that they were suspicious of the activity in the church. They saw as many as 50 cars on the property daily, and people entering the building frequently with bags of food.
Taylor, 53, allegedly ordered staff to transport women to him and ensure they took emergency contraceptives, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
Brannon 56, ran operations out of Florida, where she resided in a pristine mansion.
Before this bust, Apostle Taylor had become known as a man of ill repute in both his business and personal life. Gospel singer Vicki Yohe, who previously dated Taylor, spoke out publicly, saying she was “taken advantage of” and is now working to expose his abuses. Several years ago, Yohe publicly called Taylor a cult leader and admitted that she was quiet out of fear he would release risqué photos she had sent to him. Another allegation has Taylor had being accused of not paying for the use of a set for staging and was sued for $2 million. He was also besmirched as a false prophet and was known for scolding his workers, whom he called sons and daughters, publicly. On social media, various people have complained about his shady conduct for years.
Yohe began to expose her ex online two years ago and is no longer holding back about both suspects following the arrest. Since the arrest, she posted a video saying, “I experienced firsthand the abuse, the lies, and the corruption of both of the individuals who were arrested. What a shame they are to authentic churches and ministries…”
Families of the victims, including one woman who disappeared after joining the ministry, expressed hope that the arrests would bring justice and accountability.
Taylor and Brannon could face between 20 and 60 years in prison if convicted.
Christians Have Seen It All Before
This is not the first time religious authority has been weaponized against the vulnerable, and in a 2024 case study titled Betrayed by the Pulpit, a Canadian family recounted their experience in a Pentecostal church where prosperity theology and authoritarian leadership led to emotional and financial ruin. Congregants were pressured to give beyond their means, told that their offerings determined their spiritual worth. Families were torn apart. Faith was fractured. But we do not have to cross the Northern border to find religious devotees being manipulated. Televised fundraisers on Christian television networks have shown church leaders, televangelists, and prophets promising favor from God for donations — a promise that they can not keep.
Focus In
These fundraising tactics are spurred by prosperity gospel theology, which teaches that financial giving leads to divine rewards. Critics argue that this can exploit vulnerable believers, especially those in financial hardship, by equating generosity with spiritual worth. When spiritual language is used to silence dissenters, suppress autonomy, and justify exploitation, it ceases to be ministry—it becomes manipulation.
For many who served under Taylor, the promise of blessings became a burden. Taylor has stated that he has seen God face-to-face and that Jesus is his best friend. He was known for prophecy and miracles. His armour bearers likely believed they were honoring God by honoring him. Instead, they were honoring a man who, according to federal prosecutors, used their devotion to build an empire by controlling the weak.
When ministry becomes a means of control, the damage isn’t just financial—it’s spiritual. And the healing must begin with truth. As the case unfolds, it’s a moment for reflection within the faith community. How do Christians discern between true leadership and spiritual abuse? How can the Church protect the vulnerable while preserving the sanctity of service?
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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