A federal judge has rejected David E. Taylor’s religious freedom defense, allowing his forced labor and money laundering prosecution to proceed. U.S. District Judge Susan K. DeClercq ruled November 9 that religious protections do not shield allegedly criminal conduct. Taylor, a self-proclaimed apostle, faces eight forced labor counts and conspiracy charges. His co-leaders, Michelle Brannon and Kathleen Klein, also face conspiracy charges. All three pleaded not guilty, and Taylor’s trial begins April 20 in Detroit.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Abuse and Financial Misconduct
Federal prosecutors accuse Taylor and Brannon of operating a multimillion-dollar forced labor organization through Joshua Media Ministries International. Authorities raided ministry properties across four states in August 2025 and seized extensive electronic evidence. Prosecutors allege the ministry raised approximately $50 million through fundraising operations that relied on unpaid workers. They claim Taylor used donations to purchase luxury vehicles and properties. Workers allegedly endured food restrictions, sleep deprivation and psychological intimidation when they failed to meet fundraising targets. Prosecutors also accuse Taylor of threatening to distribute sexually explicit material to control workers.
Religious Freedom Arguments Fail in Federal Court
Taylor argued that prosecution violated the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. He maintained that church members participated voluntarily and that spiritual warnings reflected protected religious beliefs. However, DeClercq concluded that prosecutors could pursue charges involving religious threats because those threats allegedly coerced workers. The judge also refused to remove sexually explicit allegations from the indictment. She upheld Taylor’s pretrial detention because of concerns about community safety.
Defense Arguments and Prosecutors’ Concerns
Taylor’s defense maintains that religious freedom protects the ministry’s practices and that members willingly participated in its activities. His attorneys may challenge the prosecution’s allegations at trial. Prosecutors argue that religious authority cannot justify coercion, threats or exploitation. The ruling permits those allegations to proceed to trial but does not establish guilt.
The April proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can prove their accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: Judge rejects David E. Taylor’s bid to dismiss forced labor charges
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