The 14 Texts David Taylor’s Attorneys Presented to the Judge
The legal team representing David Taylor, a self-proclaimed church leader accused of exerting control over his followers’ lives, has petitioned a judge to reconsider the ruling that keeps him detained while awaiting trial.
Last month, a judge denied Taylor’s request for bond, stating that remaining in custody is necessary to restrict his communication with church members during ongoing court proceedings.
Taylor, along with the church’s executive director, Michelle Brannon, faces accusations of coercing members in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri to perform unpaid labor and solicit donations through the church’s call centers.
Prosecutors’ Allegations
According to a federal indictment, investigators uncovered numerous text messages showing Taylor instructing disciplinary actions against workers who failed to meet donation quotas. These alleged punishments included food, sleep, shelter, and medical care deprivation.
Defense Argument
In a recent motion challenging the detention order, Taylor’s attorneys insisted that the messages were exchanged during what the organization calls a “theological orientation,” internally referred to as a “boot camp.”
His attorneys claimed this orientation was “rigorous, but not harmful, and was voluntarily attended by every participant.”
Context of the Motion
The defense contends that the texts reflect strict religious training rather than coercive behavior, arguing that participants willingly joined these sessions as part of their spiritual discipline.
Author’s Summary: Lawyers for David Taylor argue the texts cited by prosecutors showed voluntary church training, not abuse, as they seek to overturn his pretrial detention ruling.