DETROIT – A church leader accused of helping a man take over the lives of his followers fled back into the courthouse Wednesday when she saw our cameras coming.
Michelle Brannon was back at federal court Wednesday for a hearing about her bond. On Tuesday, a judge had granted Brannon bond, and prosecutors asked for an emergency appeal hearing.
The judge upheld Brannon’s bond on Wednesday, allowing her to stay on home incarceration in Northville.
But since that apartment is being leased by church members, the judge ordered her to find a way for someone outside the church to pay for the apartment within the next 30 days.
Local 4 waited for Brannon outside the courtroom, and when she walked out and saw our camera, she quickly went back inside, hurrying out of sight.
She did not respond to questions asked by our Noelle Friel.
You can watch the full exchange here:
More about the allegations
Brannon and David Taylor were arrested on Aug. 27, 2025, in North Carolina and Florida in what federal officials called a nationwide takedown of their alleged forced labor organization.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan, Taylor, who refers to himself as “Apostle,” and Brannon, his executive director, are the leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly Joshua Media Ministries International. The two are accused of victimizing people working at call centers that solicited donations for their organization in Michigan, Florida, Texas and Missouri.
Court documents claim that Taylor refers to himself as an Apostle and “Jesus’ best friend.” He reportedly claimed to have had multiple face-to-face encounters with God and that God had given him the keys to the Kingdom on Earth.
According to court records, Taylor and Brannon compelled people to work at their call centers and to work for Taylor as his “armor bearers.”
“Armor bearers” were Taylor’s personal servants who fulfilled his demands around the clock, officials said.
Related: He lured Michiganders by posing as God’s best friend. Then he took over their whole lives, feds say
“Taylor and Brannon controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in August.
The victims reportedly slept in the call center facility or in a “ministry” house, and Taylor and Brannon allegedly did not permit the victims to leave without permission.
Taylor reportedly claimed regularly that if someone fails to obey his orders and commands, they are defying God and will suffer in Hell.
In the court documents, further details of the case discussed how Taylor allegedly manipulated the workers and how Brannon played a role in the alleged abuse.
Brannon was arraigned in federal court on Sept. 30, 2025.
Her attorneys requested that the court allow bail pending her trial. However, prosecutors responded that she is a danger to the public, a flight risk and could possibly intimidate current or former members of the church.
According to federal prosecutors, Brannon has access to numerous sources of funds to flee.
Prosecutors said, despite not having access to the church’s funds, she and Taylor actively solicit donations and will “likely” make those funds for her use.
They also stated that the funds that are being donated showed the organization’s view of the government and the judicial process.
On Sept. 14, 2025, prosecutors said a worker for the organization solicited donations during a broadcast and said, ”We’re in a war and it is time for you to decide if you’re a warrior or you’re not.”
Prosecutors also said the organization has also received donations in cryptocurrency. Since the government has not yet seized those funds, she would “likely” have access to cryptocurrency.
Brannon continues to have supporters despite her arrest, and she could intimidate current or former members of the organization based on her high position in the organization, said prosecutors.
Prosecutors stated this is “particularly concerning” because developing evidence revealed some workers may have been required to send sexually explicit videos as part of their alleged forced labor.
“Thus, given Brannon’s own reign of terror over her victim, her leadership role in the forced labor and money laundering conspiracies, her close personal and criminal relationship with Taylor, and her years of following Taylor’s directions with fierce loyalty, she is a danger to the community if released,” prosecutors stated in response to the defense’s motion.
During Brannon’s arraignment in federal court in Michigan on Sept. 30, which lasted about 90 minutes, a judge granted her bond.
The judge said that the prosecution had not been specific enough about why she was a danger, and did not buy the argument that she would violate any potential restrictions placed on her release.
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.
Bond decision
The judge acknowledged on Tuesday 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 initially 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.
A hearing was held on Oct. 1 regarding the appeal. The appeal was then denied by the judge.
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
Brannon is allowed to stay on home incarceration, but since her apartment is being leased by church members, the judge said she had 30 days to find a way for someone outside the church to pay for the apartment going forard.
Another condition is that she turn in her U.S. passport, which has already been done.
Each of the charges Brannon and Taylor face carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.