Texts Revealed: David Taylor’s Defense Against Forced Labor Charges

David Taylor, a self-proclaimed church leader, is facing federal forced labor charges in Michigan and other states. His attorneys are currently challenging a judge’s decision to keep him in custody, presenting a series of text messages they claim demonstrate he did not control call center workers in the alleged scheme. This development comes as the complex legal battle continues to unfold in federal court.

Allegations Against David Taylor

Taylor, along with Michelle Brannon, the church’s executive director, stands accused of a federal forced labor scheme. Prosecutors allege they compelled church members in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri to work for free in call centers to raise donations. The indictment details dozens of text messages where Taylor allegedly ordered severe punishments for workers who missed donation quotas, including deprivation of food, sleep, shelter, and medical care. Further claims include Taylor forcing female church members to send him “thousands” of sexually explicit photos and videos.

The Defense Responds: A Different Narrative

“Theological Orientation” vs. Forced Labor

Taylor’s attorneys contend that the text messages cited by prosecutors were sent during a “theological orientation,” or “boot camp,” within the church. They describe this orientation as “rigorous, but not harmful,” and assert it was voluntarily attended by all participants, challenging the notion of forced labor.

Personal Control and Presence Disputed

The defense argues that Taylor never personally imposed the alleged punishments and was not present when they supposedly occurred, claiming he was living “shut away” in North Carolina. According to the indictment, Taylor had not resided at any of the church’s call centers since 2020, communicating exclusively via cellphones. His attorneys state these texts, “standing alone,” represent nothing more than “passive aggression from a frustrated pastor in shut away” and do not indicate actual actions.

Claims of Consensual Interactions

Regarding “rebukings,” the defense asserts these were “infrequently admonished” for transgressions like smoking marijuana and were “never severe nor seriously harmful,” adhering to “reasonable church practices” consented to by adult members. Similarly, the filing claims any sexually explicit interactions were consensual and thus irrelevant to forced labor charges.

Key Arguments: Prosecution vs. Defense

Texts Submitted by the Defense

David Taylor’s attorneys presented 14 text messages to the judge, which they claim demonstrate Taylor encouraged rest, showed concern for medical conditions, and focused on practical matters, contradicting allegations of control and deprivation. These messages primarily date from May 2024 to August 2025.

Examples include:

• May 4, 2024, at 9:56 p.m.: Taylor allegedly texted his executive group, “No you’ll rest, be restored and have fun.”
• July 10, 2024, at 1:25 p.m.: A worker texted on behalf of Taylor regarding a power loss during Hurricane Beryl, stating, “With some of the people medical conditions we need to make sure they are first! … WE CANT EVER ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN!!”
• Dec. 14, 2024, at 10:11 a.m.: Brannon allegedly texted on behalf of Taylor, “After these memo’s are read, Apostle wants the staff to take the whole day off and rest and party.”
• April 1, 2025, at 1:32 a.m.: Taylor allegedly texted his executive group, “Ok everyone get rest we will meet tomorrow!! Sleep in late until 12noon .. we will meet and start at 1 pm or 2pm.”
• Aug. 21, 2025, at 6:39 a.m.: Taylor allegedly texted his executive group, “Tell everyone to Get more rest start at 11am.. I told you’ll it defeats the purpose when the people don’t get the rest they need about 7-8 hours and wake up too soon !!”

What’s Next in the Case?

Taylor’s Appeal and Character Evidence

Taylor’s attorneys are asking the judge to reconsider the detention order, which requires him to remain in custody while awaiting trial, or to schedule another hearing where they can present additional evidence. They highlight Taylor’s lack of criminal history over two decades of ministry and his receipt of prestigious awards, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama and the Spirit of Detroit Award, as evidence of his character.

Michelle Brannon’s Bond Conditions

Michelle Brannon, the church’s executive director, was released on bond last month. She was given 30 days to prove her Northville home was not paid for by church members. After an attempt to move to Livonia was denied, she received an additional 21 days to find alternative housing that complies with her bond conditions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the court will weigh the competing narratives and evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense to determine the fate of David Taylor and the future of this complex case in Michigan.

FAQs

• Who is David Taylor?
  A self-proclaimed church leader currently facing federal forced labor charges in Michigan and other states.
• What are the main charges against him?
  Accusations of forcing church members to work for free in call centers, allegedly imposing severe punishments like deprivation of food and sleep, and demanding sexually explicit materials.
• How is Taylor’s defense responding?
  His attorneys argue the alleged punishments were part of voluntary “theological orientations,” that Taylor was not physically present during their alleged occurrence, and that other interactions, including those involving explicit content, were consensual.
• What is the significance of the text messages presented by the defense?
  These 14 messages are intended to show Taylor encouraging rest, expressing concern for medical needs, and addressing practical issues, aiming to contradict claims of severe deprivation and control.
• What’s the next step in Taylor’s case?
  His attorneys are appealing his current detention order, requesting pre-trial release or a new hearing to present additional evidence to the court.

Texts reveal David Taylor forced labor defense