California home linked to 'TikTok cult' pastor Robert Shinn seen on Netflix raided in sex-trafficking probe
Share and Follow

Federal agents converged on a California residence tied to the “TikTok Cult” pastor featured in a recent Netflix documentary series on Friday, as part of a probe into sex trafficking and other criminal allegations.

Authorities detained several individuals following a raid on a Tujunga home partially owned by Pastor Robert Shinn, conducted by the FBI, IRS, US Postal Service, and Department of Labor, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The warrants were issued concerning accusations of sex trafficking, money laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion, and COVID-19-related fraud, as reported by the outlet.

The identities of those detained were not immediately clear.

At least six handcuffed people and one woman holding a child were seen in KTLA chopper footage of the raid of the residence, which featured in the Netflix docuseries “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” the station reported.

One witness reported hearing flash-bang grenades go off at the start of the 6 a.m. law enforcement operation, according to the LA Times.

Self-proclaimed “man of God” Shinn, who founded Shekinah Church in 1994, helped create 7M Films in 2021, and the LA-based talent management company allegedly lured dancers with promises of turning them into TikTok stars.

Some of those dancers were also conscripted into the Shekinah Church and acted as recruiters for 7M, which they claim is inseparable from the religious organization.

Former members of Shekinah Church who also worked for 7M films alleged Shinn abused and manipulated them, with some even accusing the guru of sexual assault.

Melanie Goldman, a former dancer and parishioner, claimed in the documentary that she saw “half a dozen girls” run into the church “screaming at the top of their lungs,” TV Insider reported.

Other former dancers also claimed that there is no distinction between 7M and the church, with Shinn instructing members in fiery sermons shown in the doc to “die to” their families, or no longer have contact with them.

Dancer Aubrey Fisher, a former 7M and Shekinah member, claimed Shinn forced him to give as much as 70% of his income to the twisted church — including a 10% “man of God fee” for himself, according to the outlet.

Former member Melanie Wilking went viral with a 2022 Instagram plea to try and reach her sister Miranda, who was “no longer in control” of her life.

The siblings had a popular joint TikTok page when they joined 7M and had a falling out when Melanie left over concerns about Shinn’s control over members, according to People, but have since reconciled.

Shinn has previously denied claims that the Shenikah Church and 7M are affiliated, TV Insider reported.

In 2022, he filed a defamation lawsuit against several former church members after they referred to the organization as a cult, CNN reported last year.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Teen caught allegedly driving 108 mph while racing car down Highway 83

Teen Allegedly Found Racing at 108 mph on Highway 83

DENVER (KDVR) A new teen driver was caught allegedly going more than…
Chicago weather today: Flood Warning for Cook, DuPage counties, rain could cause flash flooding on Saturday

Flood Warning Issued for Cook and DuPage Counties: Saturday Rain May Lead to Flash Flooding

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some heavy pockets of rain are forecasted to make…
Chicago, Illinois severe weather today: Flash Flood Warning for Cook, DuPage counties, funnel clouds reported near Ottawa | Radar

Severe Weather Alert for Chicago Area: Flash Flood Warning in Cook and DuPage Counties and Funnel Cloud Sightings Near Ottawa

CHICAGO (WLS) — Funnel clouds have been reported and there is Flash…

Video: Blaze Engulfs Shopping Center Near UNLV in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Clark County fire crews battled a large fire…
Happy Gilmore 2 producer on Travis Kelce cameo. Morikawa on PGA actors

“Producer Talks Travis Kelce’s Cameo in Happy Gilmore 2; Morikawa Weighs in on PGA Stars in Film”

Nearly thirty years have passed since Adam Sandler first appeared on the…
Trump order shifts homelessness strategy toward enforcement

Trump Directive Changes Homelessness Policy to Focus on Regulation and Enforcement

() President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that directs cities…
Sloppy Yankees can't get out of their own way again in loss to Phillies

Careless Yankees Stumble Again in Defeat Against Phillies

The Yankees orchestrated a major trade that they hope will strengthen their…
Trump claims Supreme Court immunity ruling spares Obama

Trump asserts that Supreme Court’s immunity decision protects Obama

Donald Trump acknowledged that the Supreme Court ruling which affirmed ‘presidential immunity’…