What are the specific charges against David Taylor and Michelle Brannon?

David Taylor and Michelle Brannon have been charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and money laundering conspiracy, with each charge carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

How did the Kingdom of God Global Church reportedly generate $50 million in donations?

The church allegedly coerced victims into working 24/7 in call centers soliciting donations under strict quotas, with some victims described as unpaid labor used to raise millions of dollars that funded a luxurious lifestyle for the leaders.

What forms of control and abuse were victims subjected to in the alleged cult?

Victims were controlled by restricting their movement, forced to sleep in ministry properties, punished if fundraising goals were not met, and some faced physical and psychological abuse including being forced to work until late hours and coercion involving emergency contraceptives.

Where were the FBI raids conducted in relation to the Kingdom of God Global Church?

FBI raids were executed at multiple locations affiliated with the church across Michigan, Missouri, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Houston, including call centers and ministry properties.

What potential legal remedies are available for victims of the alleged forced labor scheme?

Victims could pursue civil penalties against David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, potentially recovering double their lost wages plus attorney fees if successful under labor laws.

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Religious Leaders Arrested on Forced-Labor Cult and Money Laundering Charges

David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church, face federal charges for allegedly operating a forced-labor cult, coercing followers into 24/7 call center work for $50 million in donations.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church, were arrested by federal authorities for allegedly running a forced-labor cult and money laundering conspiracy.
Victims were reportedly housed in ministry properties, forced to work 24/7 in call centers soliciting donations, and punished for failing to meet unattainable fundraising goals.
The religious leaders are accused of controlling every aspect of their victims' daily lives, including restricting movement and forcing them to sleep in ministry facilities.
Federal authorities estimate the alleged scheme generated approximately $50 million in donations since 2014 through the coercive call center operations.
Taylor is also accused of ordering "armor bearers" to transport women and ensure they took Plan B emergency contraceptives, adding to the severe allegations.

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: David Taylor and Michelle Brannon have been charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and money laundering conspiracy, with each charge carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
CBS News Detroit
: The church allegedly coerced victims into working 24/7 in call centers soliciting donations under strict quotas, with some victims described as unpaid labor used to raise millions of dollars that funded a luxurious lifestyle for the leaders.
ABC13 Houston
: Victims were controlled by restricting their movement, forced to sleep in ministry properties, punished if fundraising goals were not met, and some faced physical and psychological abuse including being forced to work until late hours and coercion involving emergency contraceptives.
St. Louis Magazine
: FBI raids were executed at multiple locations affiliated with the church across Michigan, Missouri, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Houston, including call centers and ministry properties.
FOX26 Houston
: Victims could pursue civil penalties against David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, potentially recovering double their lost wages plus attorney fees if successful under labor laws.
CBS News Detroit