A federal grand jury in Michigan has charged a third individual in connection with an alleged forced labor scheme linked to the Kingdom of God Global Church. This development was announced by the Justice Department.
Kathleen Klein, also reportedly known as “Prophetess,” is accused of being a key leader and executive within the church. Formerly called Joshua Media Ministries International, the church allegedly operated a multi-state call center network that prosecutors claim exploited workers to generate donations.
According to the Justice Department, Klein, 53, along with co-defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, allegedly managed call centers located in Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and Texas. The workers in these centers were reportedly compelled to endure long hours without pay and were pressured to meet demanding fundraising goals.
Prosecutors allege that those who failed to meet targets or resisted the conditions faced public humiliation, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, food and shelter deprivation, enforced repentance rituals, and threats of “divine retribution” including illness, accidents, death, and eternal damnation.
David Taylor and Michelle Brannon face charges of forced labor and related offenses. They are accused of compelling individuals to work in call centers with the objective of soliciting donations for their ministry.
The updated indictment, issued on February 11, claims that since 2014, the organization has amassed approximately $50 million in donations. It is alleged that the leaders used these funds to purchase personal real estate, vehicles, airline tickets, and luxury items.
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.”
