David E. Taylor, self-proclaimed “apostle” and leader of Kingdom of God Global Church (formerly Joshua Media Ministries), was arrested in August 2025 and federally indicted for operating what prosecutors call a religious labor trafficking scheme. Along with associate Michelle Brannon, Taylor faces 10 felony counts including forced labor, conspiracy, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon coerced church members into unpaid labor, forcing them to meet daily fundraising quotas in abusive conditions. Victims were allegedly denied sleep, food, and medical care, subjected to public shaming, and controlled through fear, isolation, and threats of spiritual damnation. Women were forced to take “day after pills” formerly known as Plan B contraceptives, and some served as personal assistants known as “armor bearers.” The ministry reportedly raised over $50 million from 2014–2024, used to fund luxury homes, cars, and boats.
FBI raids across Texas, Florida, and Missouri rescued 17 people and exposed the scale of control behind the organization’s religious front.
Taylor’s alleged manipulation of spiritual authority for profit and abuse erodes trust in faith leaders and institutions meant to protect. Moreover, the coercion tactics used echo broader patterns of trafficking, exploitation, and systemic harm that disproportionately affect minority Americans, especially women and youth.
While Taylor once promoted himself as fighting sex trafficking, his ministry now stands accused of perpetrating a form of it. The case is a sobering reminder: exploitation can wear many faces or in this case cloths. Mr. Taylor is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
BY: BEWITTY Staff
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