A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan has delivered a superseding indictment against a third leader of the Kingdom of God Global Church, previously identified as Joshua Media Ministries International, for her alleged participation in a multi-state forced labor conspiracy. Kathleen Klein, 53, known as the Prophetess within the church, is now facing substantial legal challenges following this legal action.
Court documents reveal allegations that Klein, alongside co-defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, had operated a network of call centers across states such as Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Workers were reportedly coerced into executing grueling fundraising work without payment, and failure to meet set targets, or resistance, was met with severe repercussions, which included sleep deprivation, physical violence, and threats of eternal damnation. To further expose the alleged exploitation, the indictment includes additional accusations against Taylor for soliciting sexually explicit content from the organization’s workers.
The indictment, as detailed on the Department of Justice's website, also outlines the extent of the organization’s operations, noting that over a span of more than ten years, approximately $50 million was raised from donations. These funds are said to have been utilized for personal gains of the church's leaders, encompassing luxury goods, real estate, and travel, among other expenses. Klein faces a charge of conspiracy to commit forced labor, with a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment if convicted. Her co-defendants are similarly charged, with additional counts including forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized the seriousness of the forced labor schemes and the Justice Department’s dedication to combating human trafficking, asserting that the Department will relentlessly pursue those who facilitate and profit from forced labor and fight to obtain justice for survivors. The FBI and IRS-CI's joint efforts were pivotal in bringing the case to the forefront, with IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd affirming their commitment to disrupt suspected human trafficking operations.
Victims or those with information on human trafficking are urged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline or visit relevant websites for support. The trial is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys of the Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, as the ongoing investigation continues with the FBI and IRS-CI leading the inquiry.
