David E. Taylor

Federal authorities in Detroit have indicted two self-professed religious leaders who essentially operated a cult and allegedly used physical and psychological abuse to coerce victims into working at call centers to solicit tens of millions of dollars in donations in states including Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.

The operation, which authorities described as a human trafficking ring, raised money that was supposed to be used to support the ministry.

Instead, federal authorities allege much of it went to the two leaders to purchase luxury properties, vehicles, and sporting equipment, including a boat, jet skis, and ATVs. Since 2014, the indictment alleges, the ministry raised about $50 million.

Federal authorities said David Taylor, 53, was arrested Wednesday

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