The Brief
- A California mother, Bridget Walton, was relieved to see federal agents arrest David E. Taylor, who ran the Kingdom of God Global Church, and the church’s executive director, Michelle Brannon.
- Walton’s son Patrick spent six years working at Taylor’s ministry in Michigan, before leaving and returning home with nothing.
- Walton believes her son suffered the kind of physical, emotional and psychological abuse outlined in the federal indictment that led to the arrests.
TAMPA, Fla. – Bridget Walton’s son, Patrick, was just a college student when he was swept into what federal agents now call a scheme to use religion and a massive church following to cover up a series of crimes.
He spent six years inside the Kingdom of God Global Church. Authorities said the church was operating as a front for forced labor, human trafficking and financial exploitation. Federal agents arrested the church’s leader, David E. Taylor, and Executive Director, Michelle Brannon, this week.
Walton said Patrick came home in 2022 suffering from trauma, but not realizing he was a victim. For three more years, Patrick defended Taylor.…