You won’t believe the layers of deception uncovered in this shocking case! Alleged ‘church leaders’ have been arrested for operating a multi-state human trafficking and forced labor ring, masquerading as a religious charity and amassing over $50 million. What lengths will some go to for illicit gain?

Federal authorities have unveiled a disturbing multi-state operation, arresting two alleged leaders accused of orchestrating a sophisticated human trafficking and forced labor scheme. David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, now face a federal indictment on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit forced labor and money laundering, following their apprehension in North Carolina and Florida respectively.

At the heart of this alleged criminal enterprise was a deceptive facade: a purported religious ministry. Prosecutors contend that Taylor and Brannon lured vulnerable individuals under false pretenses, coercing them into working at call centers where they were forced to solicit donations for the fraudulent organization.

Victims were not only compelled to work extensive hours soliciting funds but were also allegedly subjected to further exploitation. Some were forced into roles as Taylor’s “personal servants,” a chilling designation he reportedly termed his “armor bearers,” highlighting the deep control exercised over their lives within the coercive environment of the scheme.

The alleged scam proved to be incredibly lucrative, with call centers established across Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and Texas generating millions of dollars in donations annually. The federal indictment details that since 2014, this fraudulent operation amassed approximately $50 million, which Taylor and Brannon purportedly used to fund lavish lifestyles, acquiring luxury properties and high-end vehicles.

The reach of this deceptive enterprise extended beyond those directly subjected to forced labor. The indictment reveals a dual layer of victimhood, ensnaring not only the individuals compelled to work in the call centers but also countless unsuspecting donors across the nation who believed their contributions were supporting legitimate charitable works.

Call center workers, under constant threat of punishment, were instructed by Taylor and Brannon to disseminate false information, specifically claiming that the solicited funds would finance benevolent causes such as providing water wells in impoverished communities overseas or aiding human trafficking victims. These meticulously crafted lies served to manipulate both the workers and the public into supporting the illicit operation.

To maintain control and suppress dissent, Taylor allegedly mandated that victims sever all ties with family members or friends who dared to question him or his so-called ministry. Employees were systematically isolated, forbidden from dating or seeking outside employment, and were even required to reside at the call center facilities, further entrenching them in the exploitative environment.

Disobedience or failure to meet the rigorous monetary quotas set by Taylor reportedly resulted in severe repercussions. The indictment outlines a pattern of punishment that included the restriction of sleep and food, and in some instances, the imposition of physical abuse, underscoring the brutal reality faced by those trapped within the alleged religious fraud.

The federal grand jury has brought forth a comprehensive indictment against Taylor and Brannon, each facing eight counts of forced labor, one count of conspiracy to commit forced labor, and one count of money laundering conspiracy, as the legal system moves to address the profound allegations of this multi-faceted human exploitation scheme.