He called himself "Jesus’ best friend." He claimed to raise the dead and promised followers they could see God face-to-face if they just had enough faith—and, usually, enough money. For years, David E. Taylor, the leader of Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI) and the Kingdom of God Global Church, was a powerhouse in the world of charismatic televangelism.
But things changed fast.
As of early 2026, the man who once bragged about his multimillion-dollar Florida mansion and a fleet of luxury cars—including Bentleys and a Rolls-Royce—is sitting in a jail cell without bond. Honestly, the fall of David E. Taylor isn't just a story about a preacher getting too rich. It’s a massive federal case involving allegations of forced labor, money laundering, and what the Department of Justice basically describes as a nationwide cult operation.
From Memphis Gangs to "Apostolic" Authority
Taylor’s origin story is the kind of stuff you’d hear in a high-energy sermon. Born in 1972 in Memphis, he says he was a high-ranking gang leader by the time he was 17. Then, in 1989, he claims Jesus appeared to him in a dream, told him to "follow me," and transformed his life overnight.
He didn't just become a preacher. He became an "Apostle."
For two decades, Taylor built a brand around "face-to-face" visitations. He told his followers that he had a special covenant where Jesus would physically walk through the aisles of his crusades. If you didn't see Him, maybe your "spiritual eyes" weren't open yet. It worked. People flocked to his "Miracles in America" tours, hoping for a touch of the divine.
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The Viral Deposition That Started the Crackdown
If you follow church scandals, you’ve probably seen the video. Back in 2015, Taylor was deposed in a legal battle, and the footage went viral because of how he justified his spending.
When asked about $50,000 spent on "garments," Taylor didn't blink. He called it "high-end" clothing for his ministry. He didn't know where he lived half the time, despite the ministry owning a massive estate in Taylor, Michigan. He claimed he didn't even know the names of some of his top staff. It was a bizarre look into a world where millions of dollars in donations seemed to vanish into designer suits and "mission" expenses that looked a lot like personal vacations.
The 2025 FBI Takedown and Forced Labor Charges
Everything peaked on August 27, 2025. In a coordinated multi-state raid, the FBI hit locations in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Taylor was arrested in North Carolina; his executive director, Michelle Brannon, was picked up in Florida.
This wasn't just about taxes.
The 10-count federal indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon ran a "forced labor organization." They basically set up call centers where followers—often people who had moved across the country to "serve God"—were forced to work grueling hours for no pay. The goals? Raising millions. The DOJ says the ministry took in roughly $50 million since 2014.
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The details coming out of the court documents are, frankly, disturbing:
- Sleep Deprivation: Workers were allegedly forced to stay awake for days to meet donation quotas.
- Food Restrictions: If goals weren't met, food was withheld as "spiritual discipline."
- The "Plan B" Allegations: The indictment claims Taylor had "armor bearers" (personal servants) transport women to him, allegedly requiring them to take emergency contraceptives.
- Physical Abuse: Reports of actual physical assaults and "public humiliation" used to keep people in line.
Where the Case Stands in 2026
Right now, the legal battle is a mess of seized assets and constitutional arguments. In January 2026, Taylor’s church filed motions to get back $4.2 million in seized funds, arguing that the government is infringing on their First Amendment right to practice religion.
Taylor’s lawyer, Larry Margolis, keeps insisting the charges are baseless. He argues that these people were "volunteers" practicing their faith. But the judge isn't buying it yet. Taylor has been denied bond because the court considers him a flight risk with the resources to disappear overnight.
It’s a classic "church vs. state" showdown, but with much higher stakes. The prosecution isn't just looking at the money; they’re looking at the lives of the people who say they were trapped in those call centers, told that if they left, they’d be "cursed" or face "divine judgment."
What Most People Get Wrong About JMMI
A lot of people think everyone in these organizations is just "brainwashed" or stupid. That’s rarely the case. Most of the people who joined David E. Taylor’s ministry were looking for genuine healing or a deeper connection to God. They weren't looking for a "scam."
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They were sold a dream of intimacy with the creator. When you’re told that working 20 hours a day in a call center is your "spiritual sacrifice" to help save the world from sex trafficking (one of Taylor's favorite fundraising pitches), it’s easy to see how people get sucked in.
The irony? The very money raised to "stop trafficking" is now at the center of a federal human trafficking and forced labor investigation.
Actionable Insights for Seekers and Donors
If you’re following this case or considering supporting a large-scale ministry, there are a few "red flags" that the David E. Taylor saga has made incredibly clear:
- Check the Form 990: Real non-profits and many transparent churches file tax records. JMMI’s tax-exempt status was actually revoked by the IRS in 2021 for failing to file for three straight years. If they won't show the math, don't give the money.
- Look for "Armor Bearer" Culture: If a leader has a group of people whose entire job is to handle their "personal" needs—carrying their Bible, driving their cars, shielding them from the public—it’s a sign of an unhealthy power dynamic.
- Isolation is the Enemy: Any group that tells you to cut off your family or "non-believing" friends is using a standard cult tactic. Faith should expand your world, not shrink it into a call center.
- The "Curse" Threat: If a leader tells you that leaving or questioning them will bring a curse, sickness, or "divine judgment" on your life, run. That’s spiritual abuse, plain and simple.
The David E. Taylor trial is likely to be one of the biggest stories in the religious world throughout 2026. Whether he's convicted or manages to beat the charges on a technicality, the curtain has been pulled back on how "Apostolic" authority can be weaponized.
Keep an eye on the Eastern District of Michigan court updates. The "best friend of Jesus" is currently facing up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of forced labor. That’s a long way from the "Latter Rain Glory" he used to preach about.
Next Steps for Verification:
You can track the specific progress of the federal case via the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Public Affairs or by searching for Case No. 24-cr-20412 in the Michigan Eastern District Court records. If you or someone you know was involved with the KOGGC call centers, the FBI Detroit Field Office is still seeking information from potential victims to build the final sentencing phase.