David Taylor and his co-defendant Michelle Brannon both had separate court hearings as additional raids unfolded on properties in Missouri, Texas and Michigan.

Tampa

David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, associated with the Kingdom of God Global Church, appeared in separate court hearings after being indicted on multiple federal charges, including forced labor and money laundering. The indictment alleges that the organization operated under the guise of a church, with properties and call centers in several states, and that the alleged abuse and conspiracy spanned more than a decade.

Federal agents conducted raids on properties in Michigan, Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina as part of the investigation. The indictment lists eight victims, though experts suggest there may be more. Brannon's legal representation remains unclear, with her hearing postponed to allow time to secure an attorney.

Church leaders make court appearance following arrests

Taylor and his co-defendant, Michelle Brannon, both had separate court hearings this morning, even as additional raids unfolded on properties in Missouri, Texas, and Michigan. FOX 13's Kylie Jones continues our team coverage on this one tonight. She's at the federal courthouse in Tampa, where Brannon made her court appearance this morning. Kylie, what'd you learn? Allie, at this point, it's still not clear how David Taylor and Michelle Brannon know each other or originally met, but the two are now facing a 10-count federal indictment out of Michigan, where one of their several properties was. And a national human trafficking advocate and expert calls an indictment like this remarkable. From Tampa Bay to Michigan, Missouri, and Texas, this alleged forced labor organization was operating under the guise of a in neighborhoods around the country. On Wednesday, FBI agents raided buildings and homes in cities across the country that were hiding behind the name of Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries, Inc. In God's kingdom, where it's the best ground on earth, you should be excited. Anytime there's that door open, the window of heaven is open. You should be running to pay an offering and a tithe. That's Michelle Brannon, the number two to the alleged ringleader David Taylor, who, according to a 23-page indictment, called himself apostle and Jesus's best friend. That indictment says the alleged forced labor, physical and psychological abuse, and conspiracy went on for more than a decade. It all looks legal on its face, but there's nothing illegal about a call center, and there's certainly nothing illegal about a church. And so these things look totally fine at the surface level. Court documents list nine locations from Florida to Missouri to Michigan and Texas that served as call centers or ministry sites. FBI agents were seen raiding properties in Michigan, Houston, Texas and North Carolina on Wednesday. Taylor was arrested in North Carolina. Brannon was arrested in Hillsborough County. She appeared in federal court in Tampa Wednesday afternoon. The pair is facing several charges, including forced labor and money laundering. In paragraph 11, a very cryptic reference to women being required to use emergency contraceptives. And that's an indication to me that this indictment may not be complete. Human trafficking experts say there are many layers to these allegations. In one case, the feds say the pair told victims at the call center to tell prospective donors that money would go to charity, even supporting victims of human trafficking. The only way that cases like this come to light, the only way that cases like this can ever be indicted is if someone escapes. The indictment lists eight victims, but experts say there could be many more. And Brannon was escorted into a courtroom at the federal courthouse behind me this afternoon, handcuffed and shackled. The judge asked her where her attorney was and if she had an attorney. Brannon told the judge she had two private attorneys who had been working with them out of St. Louis and Oklahoma, but she then told the judge she hadn't heard from either of them and hadn't been able to get in touch with them. The judge said the phone numbers that were provided didn't work, so it's not clear at this point if Brannon does, in fact, have representation right now. The judge continued her hearing to tomorrow afternoon, and in the meantime, she is expected to find an attorney locally. Just shocking and still so many questions. I'm sure this is far from over. All right, Kylie, thank you.

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