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Federal brokers descended upon a California dwelling related to the “TikTok Cult” pastor who was the topic of a latest Netflix documentary collection Friday — as a part of an investigation into intercourse trafficking and different felony claims.
A number of folks have been detained after a Tujunga dwelling partially owned by Pastor Robert Shinn was raided by brokers from the FBI, IRS, US Postal Service and Division of Labor, the Los Angeles Occasions reported.
Officers served warrants associated to allegations of intercourse trafficking, cash laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion and COVID-19-related fraud, in keeping with the outlet.
The identities of these detained weren’t instantly clear.
At the very least six handcuffed folks and one girl holding a toddler have been seen in KTLA chopper footage of the raid of the residence, which featured within the Netflix docuseries “Dancing for the Satan: The 7M TikTok Cult,” the station reported.
One witness reported listening to flash-bang grenades go off in the beginning of the 6 a.m. legislation enforcement operation, in keeping with the LA Occasions.
Self-proclaimed “man of God” Shinn, who based Shekinah Church in 1994, helped create 7M Movies in 2021, and the LA-based expertise administration firm allegedly lured dancers with guarantees of turning them into TikTok stars.
A few of these dancers have been additionally conscripted into the Shekinah Church and acted as recruiters for 7M, which they declare is inseparable from the non secular group.
Former members of Shekinah Church who additionally labored for 7M movies alleged Shinn abused and manipulated them, with some even accusing the guru of sexual assault.
Melanie Goldman, a former dancer and parishioner, claimed within the documentary that she noticed “half a dozen ladies” run into the church “screaming on the high of their lungs,” TV Insider reported.
Different former dancers additionally claimed that there isn’t any distinction between 7M and the church, with Shinn instructing members in fiery sermons proven within the doc to “die to” their households, or not have contact with them.
Dancer Aubrey Fisher, a former 7M and Shekinah member, claimed Shinn compelled him to provide as a lot as 70% of his earnings to the twisted church — together with a ten% “man of God price” for himself, in keeping with the outlet.
Former member Melanie Wilking went viral with a 2022 Instagram plea to attempt to attain her sister Miranda, who was “not in management” of her life.
The siblings had a well-liked joint TikTok web page once they joined 7M and had a falling out when Melanie left over considerations about Shinn’s management over members, in keeping with Individuals, however have since reconciled.
Shinn has beforehand denied claims that the Shenikah Church and 7M are affiliated, TV Insider reported.
In 2022, he filed a defamation lawsuit towards a number of former church members after they referred to the group as a cult, CNN reported final yr.
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