Two religious leaders in the US face federal charges for running a $50 million trafficking scheme. Prosecutors say they coerced followers into forced labor in call centers, using deception, isolation, and abuse to exploit faith for profit while funding their own lavish lifestyles.

Human trafficking and forced labor under the guise of religion

According to the indictment, David Taylor and Michelle Brannon recruited people across the country under the guise of a religious ministry. The traffickers forced survivors to solicit donations by phone in call centers across Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. They instructed them to lie to donors, claiming the money would fund humanitarian projects like clean water initiatives—or, in cruel irony, support for trafficking survivors. Meanwhile, the millions of dollars collected from donations went to fund Taylor and Brannon’s lavish lifestyles.

Further, Taylor and Brennen exerted extreme control over the survivors’ lives. Taylor also made survivors serve him personally, calling them his “armor bearers” while he referred to himself as “Apostle.” He isolated them, requiring them to cut ties with family or friends who questioned the ministry. He forced survivors to sleep at the facilities and barred them from leaving without permission. Those who resisted suffered restricted food, sleep deprivation, and physical abuse.

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