DOJ Charges Church ‘Prophetess’ in Multistate Forced Labor Scheme

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.