Federal prosecutors have unveiled a disturbing case of modern-day slavery operating from a Florida church, where leaders allegedly exploited vulnerable congregation members to bankroll a life of outrageous luxury.
David Taylor, 54, and his son Jason Taylor, 22, stand accused of running a sophisticated criminal enterprise masquerading as religious ministry. The pair, who led the One God Ministry and The Kingdom Church in Bradenton, face a litany of charges including forced labour, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The Sinister Operation
According to the 13-count indictment, the Taylors specifically targeted homeless individuals and those struggling with addiction, offering them shelter and spiritual guidance. Once under their control, victims were subjected to what prosecutors describe as "a brutal regime of forced labour."
Congregation members were forced to work extensive hours without pay at various church-owned businesses, including a construction company, landscaping service, and moving company. The work was allegedly back-breaking and the living conditions squalid.
Funding the Lavish Lifestyle
The fruits of this exploitation were staggering. The Taylors allegedly used the free labour to amass a collection of luxury vehicles including a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac Escalade. They also acquired multiple properties while their workers lived in poverty.
"These defendants preyed on vulnerable individuals, using violence, intimidation, and manipulation to force them into labour that funded the defendants' luxurious lifestyle," stated United States Attorney Roger Handberg.
Methods of Control
The indictment details how the Taylors maintained control through:
- Physical violence and threats of harm
- Spiritual manipulation and isolation from families
- Confiscation of identification documents
- Constant surveillance and monitoring
- Withholding basic necessities as punishment
If convicted, both men face severe penalties including up to 20 years in federal prison for the forced labour charges alone. The case has sent shockwaves through religious communities nationwide, highlighting how predators can exploit faith for personal gain.
The investigation continues as authorities seek potential additional victims who may have suffered under the Taylors' ministry.
