The Brief
- Michelle Brannon, one of two church leaders accused in a federal forced labor and human trafficking case, will remain behind bars for now after appearing before a federal judge in Tampa.
- David Taylor and Brannon are accused of exploiting workers through Taylor’s church, the Kingdom of God Global Church, forcing them to work under abusive conditions while the co-defendants allegedly laundered millions in donations.
- A former insider and a non-profit watchdog group said the charges reflect years of abuse and deception.
TAMPA, Fla. – One of two church leaders charged in a sweeping federal human trafficking and money laundering case appeared before a judge in Tampa on Thursday, but she’ll stay in jail for the time being.
What we know:
Michelle Brannon, 56, was arrested at a mansion in Hillsborough County’s exclusive Avila neighborhood on Wednesday morning. She chose to have her bond hearing moved to Michigan, where the case is based.…