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A federal grand jury in Michigan has issued an indictment against a third individual in connection with a suspected forced labor scheme linked to the Kingdom of God Global Church, as announced by the Justice Department.
Kathleen Klein, who is reportedly also known as “Prophetess,” is accused of being a leader and executive within the church, previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International. She is alleged to have played a role in managing a multi-state call center operation that prosecutors claim exploited workers to raise funds.
According to the Justice Department, Klein, 53, along with co-defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, is accused of overseeing call centers in Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and Texas. These centers allegedly forced workers to endure long hours without compensation while pushing them to meet stringent fundraising quotas.
Prosecutors allege that those who did not meet expectations or resisted were subjected to public shaming, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, and were denied food and shelter. They were also reportedly forced to partake in repentance rituals and faced threats of “divine judgment,” including illness, accidents, death, and eternal damnation.
David Taylor and Michelle Brannon face charges of forced labor and additional offenses. Both are accused of compelling individuals to work in call centers to solicit donations for their religious organization.
The superseding indictment, issued Feb. 11, alleges that the organization collected roughly $50 million in donations since 2014, which leaders used to fund personal real estate purchases, vehicles, airline tickets and luxury goods.
In addition to adding Klein as a defendant, the superseding indictment includes new allegations that Taylor frequently requested and received sexually explicit photos and videos from female church workers.
Federal agents raided a mansion in Florida related to the charges against David Taylor and Michelle Brannon. (WTVT)
Klein is charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Taylor and Brannon were first indicted in July 2025 on charges including conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on each count.
Kathleen Klein was named as the third defendant in an indictment against the leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church on Feb. 11, 2026. (joshuamediaministries / KTVT)
“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 in a statement. “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.”