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Taylor Today
By the People, for the People
FBI Raids Damage Over $133,000 in Properties Tied to Michigan Church
Church leaders say federal seizures of assets are crippling operations and charitable programs
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Federal agents raided properties owned by the Kingdom of God Global Church in Michigan, Texas, and Florida, causing over $133,000 in damages by breaking doors, equipment, and security systems. The church claims the seizure of over $4.2 million in cash, gold, jewelry, vehicles, and cryptocurrency is crippling its operations and forcing cuts to charitable programs. Church leaders face charges of forced labor and money laundering conspiracy, but the church argues the seizures violate its religious freedom.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between federal law enforcement actions and the rights of religious organizations, as the church claims the raids and asset seizures are unconstitutionally burdening its ability to practice its faith and carry out its mission. It also raises questions about the government's authority to seize assets from a religious institution that has not been convicted of a crime.
The details
According to court filings, FBI and IRS agents raided several properties owned by the Kingdom of God Global Church, causing over $133,000 in damages. This includes more than $40,000 in damage at a church in Taylor, Michigan, over $57,000 in damage at a former hotel in Houston, and thousands more in damage at properties in Florida. The agents broke doors, equipment, and security systems during the raids. The church claims the seizure of over $4.2 million in cash, gold, jewelry, vehicles, and cryptocurrency is crippling its operations and forcing cuts to charitable programs, including medical care for pastors and volunteers. Church leaders David Taylor and Michelle Brannon face charges of forced labor and money laundering conspiracy, with prosecutors alleging the leaders used the funds for luxury purchases. The church is fighting to have the seized assets returned, arguing the seizures violate its religious freedom.
- In August, federal agents raided several Kingdom of God Global Church properties.
- In late December, the church sued to recoup the seized assets.
- In mid-February, a third church leader, Kathleen Klein, was charged for her role in the alleged forced labor conspiracy.
The players
Kingdom of God Global Church
A religious organization that owns properties in multiple states, including Michigan, Texas, and Florida. The church claims the federal raids and asset seizures are crippling its operations and charitable programs.
David Taylor
The leader of the Kingdom of God Global Church who, along with another church leader, faces charges of forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
Michelle Brannon
The second-highest ranking leader of the Kingdom of God Global Church who, along with David Taylor, faces charges of forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
Kathleen Klein
A leader of the Kingdom of God Global Church who was charged in mid-February for her role in the alleged forced labor conspiracy.
Jorin Rubin
A lawyer representing the Kingdom of God Global Church in the legal battle over the seized assets.
What they’re saying
“The continued retention of the church's assets is causing substantial hardship to a legitimate business' operation. The seizure implicates heightened constitutional and statutory protections under the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act, requiring the government to demonstrate a compelling interest and least restrictive means before continuing to burden the church's religious exercise through retention of its assets as well as the disruption of its members' ability to freely practice their chosen religion.”
— Jorin Rubin, Lawyer for the Kingdom of God Global Church (Court filing)
“The extravagant purchases made by Taylor and Brannon — including gold, jewelry, and luxury goods — are evidence in the criminal case and must be preserved while the case is pending.”
— Adriana Dydell, Assistant U.S. Attorney (Court filing)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the return of the seized assets to the church while the criminal case against its leaders is pending.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex balance between law enforcement's authority to investigate potential criminal activity and the constitutional protections afforded to religious organizations. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding the government's ability to seize assets from a church that has not been convicted of a crime.
