Federal grand jury adds “Prophetess” to indictment in multi-state forced labor case tied to Kingdom of God Global Church
A federal grand jury in Michigan added Kathleen Klein — known as ‘Prophetess’ — as a third defendant in a superseding indictment accusing leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church of operating a multi-state forced labor and fundraising conspiracy.
- Kathleen Klein, 53, was named in a Feb. 11, 2026 superseding indictment as a third defendant in a forced labor conspiracy — DOJ
- Prosecutors allege multi-state call centers in Michigan, Missouri, Florida and Texas used forced labor to solicit donations and collected about $50 million since 2014 — Fox News, Fox13
- Charges include conspiracy to commit forced labor for Klein and multiple forced-labor and money-laundering counts for David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, each carrying up to 20 years.
Key information
Superseding indictment: Filed Feb. 11, 2026, the new indictment names Kathleen Klein, 53, known inside the church as “Prophetess,” as a third defendant in an alleged forced labor conspiracy tied to the Kingdom of God Global Church (formerly Joshua Media Ministries International). DOJ
Background: leaders and operations
According to the charging papers, Klein served as a leader and executive in the group that rebranded from Joshua Media Ministries International to the Kingdom of God Global Church. She joins earlier defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, who were indicted in July 2025. DOJ Fox News
Prosecutors describe an organized network of telemarketing call centers across multiple states. Staff and volunteers allegedly worked in high-pressure fundraising operations that solicited donations for the church and were run “like a business” built on coercion and control. DOJ
Allegations of exploitation and abuse
The indictment and DOJ summary allege workers were forced to labor long hours without pay and pressured to meet aggressive fundraising targets. When individuals missed goals or resisted orders, prosecutors say they faced repeated punishments including public humiliation, sleep deprivation, physical violence, withheld food and shelter, and forced repentance rituals. Leaders allegedly invoked threats of “divine judgment” — sickness, accidents, death and eternal damnation — to maintain control. Fox News DOJ
Court documents say leaders controlled nearly every aspect of victims’ lives — from work schedules to living arrangements — creating a system that left workers with little freedom to leave or to support themselves independently. DOJ
New allegations and sexual exploitation claims
The superseding indictment adds disturbing new allegations about David Taylor. Prosecutors allege he frequently sought and received sexually explicit photos and videos from female church workers, and that some victims feared retaliation — including physical harm or spiritual punishment — if they disobeyed. Taylor faces additional counts, including conspiracy to establish peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude or trafficking. Fox13 Fox News
Financial scale and alleged misuse of donations
Prosecutors estimate the organization collected roughly $50 million in donations since 2014. The indictment alleges leaders diverted funds for personal uses — buying real estate, cars, airline tickets and luxury recreational goods such as boats, jet skis and ATVs. Victims and consumer-protection advocates say donors expected ministry spending, not private enrichment. Fox News Fox13
Criminal charges and possible penalties
Kathleen Klein is charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, a count that carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. David Taylor and Michelle Brannon face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor and conspiracy to commit money laundering — each count also carries potential sentences up to 20 years. The case proceeds in federal court where prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. DOJ
Supporters, protests and competing narratives
The indictment has generated polarized reactions. Outside the federal courthouse in Detroit, supporters protested and said defendants were pastors unfairly targeted for preaching the gospel. Others, including an anonymous statement attributed to someone representing alleged victims, called the indictment a prosecution of a man who they say mentally and sexually abused volunteers and exploited their faith. Fox2 Detroit
“A prosecution of a man that according to the evidence and experience of many families, mentally and sexually abused volunteers, exploiting their genuine love for Christ.” — statement attributed to a representative of alleged victims
Reporting and evidence
The Justice Department released a summary of the superseding indictment outlining the scope of alleged crimes and the number of locations involved. Local and national outlets have reported on court filings; readers can review the DOJ release and related reporting for the full charging documents. DOJ Fox News Fox13
Implications for Redding, California
Economic: Local donors and churchgoers in Redding should note this case highlights risks tied to large-scale fundraising. Even religious appeals can be misused; donors are advised to request clear accounting and charity registration before giving. DOJ
Political and legal: For readers who value religious freedom, the case raises questions about protecting faith communities while enforcing laws when alleged harm occurs. Local leaders in Redding may face pressure to promote safeguards, reporting procedures and vetting of multi-state outreach programs. Fox News
Social and community effects: Allegations of coercion and abuse may deter victims from coming forward. Redding churches and social services should be prepared to support anyone from the area who worked for national ministries or out-of-state fundraising operations. DOJ
Cultural relevance: Many in Redding hold faith central to community life; this case underscores the need to separate legitimate ministry from alleged criminal schemes and to maintain accountability within religious organizations. Fox13
Practical steps for residents
- Donors: Request financial reports and verify charity registration before giving large sums.
- Volunteers: Ask about pay, hours, living conditions and exit options before joining out-of-town missions or call-center roles.
- Suspected abuse: Contact federal law enforcement or local victim services if forced labor or abuse is suspected; DOJ materials and news reports provide further details. DOJ Fox News
Sources
Department of Justice press release: DOJ
Fox News coverage: Fox News
Fox13 coverage: Fox13
Fox2 Detroit coverage: Fox2 Detroit
