Last week, federal agents conducted a raid at a Tujunga property linked to Robert Shinn, a pastor featured in the Netflix docuseries ‘Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.’ Shinn, who leads the Shekinah Church and founded the talent agency 7M Films, was detained but not arrested during the operation. The raid was part of an investigation into allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, mail fraud, and COVID-19 pandemic fraud.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the raid took place at a home on McGroarty Street, where multiple warrants were served. The FBI, U.S. Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Department of Labor were involved in the operation, which began around 6 a.m. on Friday.
The Netflix docuseries portrays Shinn as an abusive cult leader who isolated followers from their families, promising salvation through his teachings. Former members of the Shekinah Church and 7M Films allege they were coerced into labor and cut off from loved ones. Legal expert Mary David told FOX 11 that Shinn could face serious charges, including sex trafficking, which carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison.
Shinn has denied these allegations, calling the docuseries a “slanderous work of fiction.” He has filed a defamation suit against former church members, who in turn have accused him of fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking. The case is set to go to trial on October 27.
The federal investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce any arrests.
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