TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — What went on inside a gated mansion in Tampa’s Avila neighborhood was subject to a raid Wednesday morning.
The events are described in a 23-page indictment against defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon. They claim leadership of the Kingdom of God Global Church or KOGGC. Taylor and Brannon face allegations of forced labor and money laundering to finance a human trafficking operation, masked as a religious organization.
The indictment narrates threats directed at victims working in a call center, where legal representatives assert they were coerced into soliciting millions to sustain the leaders’ lifestyle. Victims were warned that leaving the church would result in “divine judgement in the form of physical harm and eternal damnation.”
“These behaviors are indicative of what we observe in some of these fringe, highly controlling, cult-like groups,” commented licensed mental health counselor Thomas Hanna.
Pictures shared with 8 On Your Side showed people standing and sitting outside the mansion with their hands zip tied.
Hanna said the indictment details the defendants weaponizing religion.
Taylor stands accused of informing victims that disobeying his commands amounted to “defying God and will suffer in hell.” He further stated, “you have pushed God and I too far! I’m done. Everyone go into the Tampa garage tonight! This will never stop until you change completely,” as per the indictment.
The victims were subject to physical and emotional punishment.
8 On Your Side asked Hanna what is it about religion that would make it an avenue to coerce or control someone.
“This approach is used to build trust. Individuals who share the religious belief start to recognize these people as part of that ‘in’ group, making it much easier to establish trust,” noted Hanna.
If convicted, each of the counts carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.
