HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A general contractor who worked on a multi-million-dollar mansion within the Avila community, linked to the Kingdom of God Global Church, shared that he grew increasingly suspicious as the construction progressed over weeks.

This property, alongside other Church sites in the U.S., was targeted by an FBI raid in late August due to allegations involving human trafficking and money laundering. Similar actions were taken in Texas and Missouri locations.

“They use people in really bad ways,” the contractor said.

The contractor, choosing to remain anonymous on camera due to fear of retaliation, mentioned his company was initially employed for pool maintenance in early summer of 2025. Projects also extended to renovations inside the mansion.

“I’ve worked with high-end clients in this city for years. I’ve never had someone constantly scrutinizing my work. I kept wondering, ‘What’s happening? Why are you so concerned?'” he reflected.

Church leader Daniel Taylor, who refers to himself as “best friend of Jesus,” and the executive director, Michelle Brannon, were both arrested following criminal warrants issued by the Justice Department. Taylor was captured in North Carolina, while Brannon was arrested in Hillsborough County.

“I was really sad how these people… they used God to become rich,” the contractor said.

Allegations against the church included, but were not limited to:

• Forced Labor and Abuse: The federal indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon coerced followers of the church into working long hours without pay, using physical and psychological abuse, including “sleep deprivation, food restrictions, public humiliation, and threats of divine judgment,” according to the Justice Department of the United States. Victims were allegedly frequently denied freedom to leave and forced to live in call centers or ministry houses across numerous locations in the U.S., according to federal documents provided to 8 On Your Side.
• Money Laundering and Fraud: The leaders are accused of diverting nearly $50 million in donations collected at those call centers, which were taken in under the guise of humanitarian causes, to personal luxuries and items. Some of those include the $10 million mansion in Tampa’s Avila neighborhood, and an extravagant lifestyle for church leaders.

“I believe that wasn’t God there… because, when you see something like this, it’s not God involved,” the contractor said.

In a federal court appearance on August 28, from which cameras were barred, Brannon requested to be extradited to Michigan, where the Church originated. Both she and Taylor face multiple felony charges, including conspiracy to commit forced labor and money laundering.

“You trust me, when you die, you will be in a lot of trouble, because, God doesn’t forget that,” the contractor said.

8 On Your Side contacted the church’s headquarters in Michigan, and staffers say that the church is still in operation and still accepting donations.