Cameras were not allowed inside federal court, but Michelle Brannon told the judge Thursday afternoon she had an attorney in Michigan, where her church is based, and that she wants her case heard there.
Brannon is the executive director of the Kingdom of God Global Church, according to investigators. She and church leader David Taylor are charged with forced labor and money laundering conspiracy following a series of FBI raids in multiple states on Wednesday.
The indictment alleges the church raised $50 million over the past decade by forcing followers to work without pay in call centers. Prosecutors say much of the money went to fund Taylors lavish lifestyle.
Brannon was arrested in Tampa, where the church owned a mansion in the Avila community. Taylor, who was arrested in North Caroli