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Feds raid TikTok cult pastor Robert Shinn's home amid sex trafficking allegations

Feds raid TikTok cult pastor Robert Shinn's home amid sex trafficking allegations

Express Tribune15 hours ago
Federal agents raided the Tujunga residence of pastor Robert Shinn early Friday morning as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation linked to allegations spotlighted in the 2024 Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.
The home, located at 7744 McGroarty Street, was searched at 6 a.m. by officials from the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and El Monte Police Department SWAT. According to authorities, the sealed warrant includes accusations of sex trafficking, mail fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and pandemic-related schemes.
'U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on this ongoing investigation,' said Postal Inspector Patricia Mendoza. 'This remains an active case.'
Robert Shinn is the founder of the Shekinah Church and CEO of 7M Films, a management company that recruits dancers and influencers. In the Netflix docuseries, several former members accused Shinn of coercion, financial exploitation, and unwanted sexual advances.
Allegations in Dancing for the Devil included claims that Shinn exercised extreme control over the dancers' lives—managing their money, housing, relationships, and careers. Some also described experiences of grooming and psychological manipulation.
Despite the raid, no arrests have been made as of Friday afternoon, and federal officials have not confirmed if charges will follow. The investigation remains ongoing.
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Feds raid TikTok cult pastor Robert Shinn's home amid sex trafficking allegations
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Federal agents raided the Tujunga residence of pastor Robert Shinn early Friday morning as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation linked to allegations spotlighted in the 2024 Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. The home, located at 7744 McGroarty Street, was searched at 6 a.m. by officials from the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and El Monte Police Department SWAT. According to authorities, the sealed warrant includes accusations of sex trafficking, mail fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and pandemic-related schemes. 'U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on this ongoing investigation,' said Postal Inspector Patricia Mendoza. 'This remains an active case.' Robert Shinn is the founder of the Shekinah Church and CEO of 7M Films, a management company that recruits dancers and influencers. In the Netflix docuseries, several former members accused Shinn of coercion, financial exploitation, and unwanted sexual advances. Allegations in Dancing for the Devil included claims that Shinn exercised extreme control over the dancers' lives—managing their money, housing, relationships, and careers. Some also described experiences of grooming and psychological manipulation. Despite the raid, no arrests have been made as of Friday afternoon, and federal officials have not confirmed if charges will follow. The investigation remains ongoing.

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