Faith, power and abuse

Cases

• ▶Video · WDIV Local 4

  Criminal trialPretrial

  United States v. David E. Taylor et al.

  E.D. Mich. · No. No. 2:25-cr-20560

  Federal prosecutors say leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church used threats of damnation, physical punishment and other abuse to make members work unpaid in church call centers. David E. Taylor, Michelle Brannon and Kathleen Klein are charged and have pleaded not guilty. Nothing has been proven. On Nov. 9, 2026, the judge refused to dismiss the case, and trial is set for April 20, 2027.

  Updated November 14, 2026 · 4 min read

• ▶Video · LOCAL 12 (WKRC)

  Criminal trialOn appeal

  State of Ohio v. Caleb C. Flynn

  Miami Cnty. C.P. · No. 26 CR 88

  Caleb C. Flynn, 40, a former “American Idol” contestant, was sentenced Oct. 5, 2026, to life in prison without parole for the aggravated murder of his wife, Ashley Flynn, 37, in their Tipp City, Ohio, home. He must first serve 16 years of consecutive terms. A Miami County jury convicted him Sept. 29. His appeal is pending before Ohio's Second District Court of Appeals.

  Updated November 14, 2026 · 3 min read

• ▶Video · East Idaho News

  Criminal trialOn appeal

  State of Idaho v. Lori Norene Vallow Daybell

  Idaho · No. Idaho Sup. Ct. No. 51091-2023

  Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted in Idaho in 2023 of murdering her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and conspiring to kill Tammy Daybell, and in Arizona in 2025 of two murder conspiracies. She is serving life without parole. Her appeals in both states are pending. The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments on Nov. 2, 2026, and has not yet ruled.

  Updated November 14, 2026 · 2 min read

Laws on the move

• South Carolina · BillDied

  South Carolina's “Mica's Law” on coercive control

  S. 702 (2025-2026)

  “Mica's Law,” South Carolina Senate Bill 702, would have made coercive control of a household member a crime and added stalking, harassment and coercive control to the state's definitions of abuse. It did not advance before the 2025-26 session ended and would have to start over. Its sponsor, Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, said in June 2026 that he plans to reintroduce it in January. As of Nov. 14, 2026, Bench Watch found no new bill filed.

  Status as of November 14, 2026

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