Survivors of Forced Labor Have Rights

Victims of forced labor and human trafficking have powerful rights under U.S. law. Even when exploitation is hidden behind the façade of a religious organization or justified with spiritual threats, survivors can pursue justice in both criminal and civil courts.

At GOLDLAW, we understand the devastating impact of coercion, manipulation, and abuse of power. Our attorneys have decades of experience holding individuals and institutions accountable, ensuring survivors are heard, protected, and compensated.

What Happened in the Florida Mansion Raid

Federal officials recently revealed shocking details about an FBI raid in Tampa, Florida, where 57 individuals were found living in cramped quarters at a mansion tied to the Kingdom of God Global Church.

Kingdom of God church leaders, David Taylor and Michelle Brannon

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, church leaders David Taylor and Michelle Brannon allegedly ran a multi-state forced labor and money laundering scheme through call centers that collected tens of millions in donations.

Followers, called “armor bearers,” were forced to serve Taylor around the clock.
Victims were denied freedom of movement, living at call centers or in “ministry houses.”
Investigators say victims faced humiliation, sleep deprivation, and physical assaults if they failed to meet “donation goals.”
Authorities seized luxury items including seven Mercedes sedans, two Bentleys, expensive statues, and $500,000 in gold bars.
The indictment also alleges Taylor demanded sexual favors and explicit videos from women under his control.

Taylor and Brannon now face federal charges of forced labor, conspiracy, and money laundering. Both are scheduled to stand trial in Michigan. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

What Remedies May Exist for Victims

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA/TVPRA)

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) established the first comprehensive federal law to combat human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad. It mandates prevention, protection for victims, and prosecution of traffickers. Key provisions include:

Definition of trafficking: Recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion.
Labor trafficking protections: Includes “debt bondage,” where traffickers create debts that can never be repaid, forcing victims into involuntary servitude.
Immigration protections: Victims who are foreign nationals may be eligible for a T Visa, granting lawful status, federal benefits, and protection from deportation while cooperating in prosecutions.
Civil damages: The TVPRA allows victims to seek broad civil damages against traffickers — including individuals, churches, and even corporations — in addition to any criminal penalties traffickers face.

Civil Lawsuits for Compensation

In addition to protections under the TVPRA, survivors of forced labor may pursue claims in civil court against:

The perpetrators directly (forced labor, trafficking, abuse of power)
The church organization (negligence, cover-up, or failure to protect)
Affiliated programs that provided access to vulnerable individuals

Civil claims can help victims recover compensation for:

Medical care and counseling
Lost income or opportunities
Emotional distress and trauma
Punitive damages to hold abusers accountable

Importantly, civil lawsuits also shine a light on systemic failures, forcing institutions to prioritize transparency and safety in the future.

GOLDLAW: Advocates for Survivors of Exploitation

Cases like this remind us how power can be abused under the guise of faith. Survivors deserve justice, resources, and support to rebuild their lives.

At GOLDLAW, we have seen firsthand the courage it takes to come forward. Our attorneys have successfully handled cases involving sexual abuse, trafficking, and institutional negligence across the country. We know the tactics used to silence survivors, and we are relentless in uncovering the truth.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of forced labor, human trafficking, or abuse within a religious organization, you are not alone — and you are not without options. Contact GOLDLAW today for a confidential consultation. We will listen, guide you through your rights, and fight for accountability. 561-222-2222