TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — What went on inside a gated mansion in Tampa’s Avila neighborhood was subject to a raid Wednesday morning.

It’s laid out in a 23-page indictment against defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon. They are the self-proclaimed leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church or KOGGC. Taylor and Brannon are accused of forced labor and money laundering to fund a human trafficking ring, under the guise of a religious ministry.

The indictment detailed threats made to victims working in a call center, where attorneys said they would be forced to solicit millions of dollars to fund the leaders’ lifestyles. They were told if they left the church they would be met with “divine judgement in the form of physical harm and external damnation.”

“These are some of the things that are very specifically talked about that we see in some of these fringe, highly controlling sort of cult-like groups,” said licensed mental health counselor Thomas Hanna.

Pictures shared with 8 On Your Side showed people standing and sitting outside the mansion with their hands zip tied.

Hanna said the indictment details the defendants weaponizing religion.

Taylor is accused of telling victims if they failed to obey his orders, they were “defying God and will suffer in hell.” He also said, “you have pushed God and I too far! I’m done. Everyone go into the Tampa garage tonight! This will never stop until you change completely,” according to the indictment.

The victims were subject to physical and emotional punishment.

8 On Your Side asked Hanna what is it about religion that would make it an avenue to coerce or control someone.

“That is done because that builds trust. People that align with that religious belief now recognize these people as part of that ‘in’ group, and trust is a lot easier to build,” Hanna said.

If convicted, each of the counts carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.