DETROIT – One half of a duo that is facing federal charges tied to a $50 million money laundering and forced labor scheme could be released on bond before her eventual trial.
Michelle Brannon, along with co-defendant David Taylor, is the leader of the “Kingdom of God Global Church” – also known as “Joshua Media Ministries” – a religious organization that originated in Detroit but has since established locations in Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
They are accused of using the organization to solicit millions of dollars in “donations” from supporters and then using it to fund a lavish lifestyle, which included luxury houses in all four states, cars, a boat, jet skis, and ATVs.
Their followers were forced to work long hours for little or no pay and pressured to meet steep donation quotas.
Those who failed faced public humiliation, food restrictions, and sleep deprivation.
Taylor, 53, was arrested in Durham, North Carolina, and Brannon, 56, was arrested in Tampa during a multi-state raid on August 27, which also saw raids occur in Houston and St. Louis.
Brannon’s hearing in federal court in Detroit on Tuesday (Sept. 30) was meant to be a detention hearing, with the central question being whether Brannon posed a danger to the community, the victims, and was a flight risk.
It turned into a 90-minute back-and-forth between federal prosecutors and the judge, who did not buy the argument that she would violate any potential restrictions placed on her release.
The judge added that the prosecution had not been specific enough about why she was a danger.
Brannon’s attorney claimed that she’s in “ill health” and that she had suffered a heart attack while in custody in Florida.
The judge also stressed she had no prior criminal record.
The judge acknowledged the severity of the charges and noted that the Kingdom of God church was “more like a cult”, but he felt that the prosecution lacked specific facts in proving she was a danger to the community.
He was set to release her on bond, subject to several conditions. However, the prosecution immediately appealed and requested a stay of the ruling, which was later granted.
If the bond is upheld, Brannon would be released with these conditions:
A $10,000 unsecured bond
She would be placed on house arrest in Northville with a GPS monitor
She is to have no contact – directly or indirectly – with any church members
Another condition is that she turn in her US passport, which has already been done.
Both Brannon and Taylor – who is still awaiting extradition to Michigan – face charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Each of the charges carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The appeal will be heard in federal court on Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m.