Three senior administrators of the Philippine-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church face federal charges in the United States following a grand jury indictment issued on February 15, 2020. Guia Cabactulan, Marissa Duenas, and Amanda Estopare were accused of immigration fraud and labor trafficking, according to the indictment. Federal prosecutors alleged that the defendants secured visas and immigration documents for church members under false pretenses.
The indictment claimed these actions were designed to restrict the freedom of church workers, some of whom were identified as victims of severe trafficking. The three administrators were taken into federal custody on January 29, 2020, and were scheduled for arraignment on February 20, 2020, at the US District Court in Los Angeles.
According to court documents, the defendants compelled church members to solicit donations for a fraudulent charity supposedly aiding impoverished Filipino children. The indictment stated that some members were deceived into believing they would only perform in church concerts. Upon arrival in the United States, however, they were forced to solicit donations on streets daily, year-round, working extensive hours and frequently sleeping in vehicles without access to basic necessities such as medicine or clothing.
“Other KOJC workers were unaware of the actual purpose until they were forced…to solicit on the streets nearly every day, year-round, working very long hours, and often sleeping in cars overnight, without normal access to over-the-counter medicine or even clothes,” the indictment read. The workers were reportedly required to meet fundraising quotas and received little or no compensation for their labor.
US authorities noted that only a small number of church members were aware they were entering the country as fundraisers, while others were brought in under deceptive circumstances. The three leaders were charged with conspiracy to commit offenses including trafficking for forced labor, document servitude, immigration fraud, and marriage fraud. If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison.
The US Attorney’s Office described the charges as reflecting a pattern of exploitation and abuse within the church. The US Department of Justice issued a statement saying, “The allegations in this case are disturbing and reflect a callous disregard for the well-being and dignity of the victims.” The case is part of broader federal efforts to combat human trafficking and immigration fraud.
According to the Polaris Project, a nonprofit organization tracking human trafficking, over 8,000 cases were reported in the United States in 2019. The organization’s CEO, Catherine Chen, noted that human trafficking requires a comprehensive response from law enforcement, government agencies, and community organizations. President Donald Trump has characterized human trafficking as “a scourge on our society,” and the administration has increased funding for anti-trafficking initiatives and improved coordination among law enforcement agencies. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the need for continued collaboration to hold perpetrators accountable.
The case against the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church leaders underscores ongoing concerns about exploitation and the importance of vigilance in preventing such abuses.
