A third leader of a Texas-connected church has been indicted in an alleged forced labor scheme that federal prosecutors say generated $50 million through call center operations across multiple states.
Kathleen Klein, 53, known as “Prophetess” within the Kingdom of God Global Church, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Michigan. She joins church leaders David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, who were arrested last year following FBI raids.
The charges represent an escalation in a case that has exposed alleged abuse within the religious organization formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International.
Prosecutors say victims were forced to work grueling hours in church-run call centers while facing physical violence, sleep deprivation, and threats of eternal damnation.
According to the Department of Justice, Klein and her co-defendants operated call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Workers who failed to meet fundraising targets or resisted orders faced public humiliation, withholding of food and shelter, and forced repentance rituals.
The new indictment adds disturbing allegations against Taylor. Federal prosecutors say he “frequently requested and received sexually explicit photographs and videos from KOGGC workers.”
Klein faces conspiracy to commit forced labor charges carrying up to 20 years in prison. Taylor and Brannon face additional charges, including forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
The case came to public attention in August 2025 when FBI agents raided JMMI Global’s “Campus for Harvest” property in Houston. Seventeen people were removed from the building, with some led away in handcuffs.
Court documents reveal the extent of alleged control over victims’ lives. Workers slept in call center facilities or ministry houses and were not allowed to leave without permission.
Taylor allegedly used personal servants called “armor bearers” to transport women between locations. He also ensured these women “took Plan B emergency contraceptives,” according to prosecutors.
A March 2022 text message included in the 23-page indictment shows Taylor writing to a group chat: “Point blank…if you don’t work, you can’t eat.”
Prosecutors say the defendants used donation money to purchase luxury properties, vehicles, boats, jet skis, and ATVs. The scheme allegedly netted approximately $50 million since 2014.
Taylor was arrested in North Carolina, while Brannon was apprehended in Florida. Both await trial on their charges.
Federal authorities encourage anyone with information about human trafficking to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
