Federal prosecutors have expanded a sweeping forced labor case tied to a religious organization, charging a third leader accused of helping run what authorities describe as an abusive fundraising operation.
A grand jury in Michigan returned a superseding indictment naming Kathleen Klein, 53, also known as “Prophetess,” as a defendant connected to the Kingdom of God Global Church. The church was previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International, per Fox News.
According to the Department of Justice, Klein served in a leadership role and helped oversee call centers operating across multiple states. Prosecutors allege those centers were used to solicit donations while workers were compelled to labor long hours without pay.
Authorities say the operation spanned Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and Texas. Workers who failed to meet fundraising quotas or resisted directives were allegedly punished through humiliation, sleep deprivation, and the withholding of basic necessities.
The indictment claims some victims were subjected to physical abuse and forced repentance rituals. Prosecutors also allege leaders threatened followers with “divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, death, and eternal damnation” if they did not comply.
Investigators estimate the organization collected roughly $50 million in donations beginning in 2014. The superseding indictment alleges the money was used by leadership for personal expenses, including real estate, vehicles, airline travel and luxury items.
In addition to the forced labor allegations, the new filing includes claims that co-defendant David Taylor solicited sexually explicit photos and videos from female church workers.
Klein now faces a charge of conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Taylor and Michelle Brannon were first indicted in July 2025. They face multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each charge carries potential penalties of up to 20 years.
“This case reflects the gravity of forced labor schemes that strip victims of their basic human rights and subject them to physical and brutal psychological abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Andrew Tysen Duva. “Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice.
“We will relentlessly pursue those who facilitate and profit from forced labor and fight to obtain justice for survivors.”
