Tampa Mansion Unveils Disturbing Forced Labor Scheme Tied to Church
TAMPA, Fla. - A sprawling mansion in Tampa has become the center of a harrowing investigation into forced labor practices allegedly orchestrated by church leaders.
Recent court documents reveal that 57 individuals, including minors, were subjected to severe living and working conditions. Reports indicate that these victims faced food and sleep deprivation, threats, and physical abuse while being forced to work without compensation.
Despite the mansion's opulence, many victims were found sleeping on floors, confined in garages, or crammed into overcrowded rooms with limited bathroom access. The indictment points to Michelle Brannon and David Taylor, leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, who allegedly coerced followers into working grueling 24-hour shifts at church call centers. Over the past decade, these workers were pressured to solicit donations that amassed approximately $50 million.
One former employee described the atmosphere as both mentally and physically abusive, highlighting instances of public humiliation and enforced isolation from loved ones. Leslie Portillo, who spent several months at the church's Detroit ministry, recounted witnessing Taylor's aggressive behavior towards staff.
Portillo left the church after recognizing troubling signs, but her friend remained and ultimately succumbed to cancer without the chance to reconnect with family. "The family members have been waiting for so many years for their loved one to come back," she expressed, reflecting on the emotional toll of the situation. "Unfortunately, too many people were hurt in the midst of all of this. I know it’s going to be a process, but I know we are going to find out the truth."
Further investigation revealed a trove of valuables in Brannon's bedroom, including an estimated $500,000 in gold bars, $60,000 in cash, luxury jewelry from a locked safe, designer clothing, and foreign currency. Authorities also discovered multiple life-sized stone statues and decorative pillars intended for landscaping on the property grounds, alongside a fleet of luxury vehicles including seven Mercedes Benz sedans and two Bentleys.
Prosecutors included text messages allegedly sent by Brannon to church employees, one of which demanded severe punishment for a member who failed to meet call quotas: "Did you rebuke him for this?? He needs to be raked over the coals for this?? He can die for this!!"
Brannon was arrested last month in Hillsborough County and has since been transferred to Michigan for trial. Prosecutors argue that her access to significant cash reserves poses a flight risk and that she may attempt to influence witnesses if released. They are advocating for her continued detention throughout the trial.
Both Brannon and Taylor face a 10-count indictment on charges of forced labor and money laundering in Michigan, where the church's headquarters is located. Brannon is scheduled for an arraignment and pretrial detention hearing today in Detroit Federal Court.
