Third Defendant Indicted in Forced Labor Conspiracy Involving Kingdom of God Global Church

‘Prophetess’ Kathleen Klein allegedly involved in conspiracy exploiting call center workers.

A third defendant has been indicted for allegedly participating in a forced labor conspiracy with other leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church in Michigan, founded by self-proclaimed prophet David E. Taylor.

Kingdom of God Global Church in Taylor, Michigan / Photo via social media

Kathleen Klein, also known as “Prophetess,” was also a leader in the church and allegedly helped run a network of call centers across several states that solicited donations for the church.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the victims were forced to “work grueling hours at the call centers without pay and pressured to hit impossible fundraising targets.” When the workers didn’t meet their required fundraising, they would suffer punishments, including public humiliation, sleep deprivation, physical violence, the withholding of food and shelter, forced repentance, and threats of eternal damnation.

“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,” Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said of the matter.

Through the call centers, Kingdom of God Global Church raised more than $50 million over a decade, the DOJ claims. The leaders then allegedly used the proceeds to purchase real estate, buy vehicles, pay for travel, and obtain luxury goods.

Taylor and Michelle Brannon were indicted in July on 10 counts “for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.”

Besides adding Klein as a defendant, the new indictment adds charges against Taylor for frequently requesting and receiving sexually explicit photographs and videos from the workers.

Access to MinistryWatch content is free. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. To make a donation, click here

If convicted, each of the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison.

Klein testified that, after sitting under Taylor’s teachings for two years, she saw the Father’s face appear in the sky over Michigan while in the drive-through line at Wendy’s. She took pictures of the “appearance” with her cell phone, and they can be seen here.

Kathleen Klein / Photo via Joshua Media Ministries

“I’m so very [h]appy to have been able to see the manifestation of the Father looking down on us in the Detroit area!!” she wrote. “I know that this was just the beginning of what and how He will keep appearing!!”

The church has materials for sale featuring Klein’s teaching.

The Kingdom of God Global Church is also asking the U.S. government to return property it seized as part of the criminal action against Taylor. It filed a petition for return of its property, including $4.2 million in funds held at Chase Bank, precious metals, jewelry, vehicles, and designer clothing. The government allegedly seized property from locations in Texas, Florida, and Michigan.

The church claims the seizure of property has significantly impacted its ability to carry out its functions and pay its expenses.

The government has responded to Taylor’s request to release the ministry’s assets, arguing that its seizure of the assets followed the proper procedures.  The court has not made a final decision about the petition for return of seized property.

In the MinistryWatch database, Joshua Media Ministries which is affiliated with Taylor, has an F transparency grade and a Donor Confidence Score of 0, meaning donors should withhold giving.

TO OUR READERS: The mission of MinistryWatch is to help Christian donors become more faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. Do you know of a story that will help us fulfill our mission, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? If so, please email us at [email protected].