Federal prosecutors in Michigan have charged three leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church in what authorities describe as a long-running forced labor and fundraising conspiracy that generated roughly $50 million in donations over more than a decade.

A superseding indictment returned Feb. 11 in the Eastern District of Michigan added Kathleen Klein, 53, known within the ministry as “Prophetess,” to the case. She joins church founder David Taylor and executive director Michelle Brannon, who were indicted in July 2025 and arrested the following month in an FBI-led operation. All three have denied the allegations.

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Klein is charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Taylor and Brannon each face multiple counts, including forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor and money laundering conspiracy, with potential sentences of up to 20 years per count.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International, operated at least nine call centers across Michigan, Missouri, Florida and Texas. Prosecutors allege that workers were forced to solicit donations by phone for up to 20 hours a day without pay. They were assigned aggressive fundraising targets and allegedly told donors that funds would support humanitarian causes such as building wells and combating human trafficking.

Instead, prosecutors say the money was used to fund luxury properties and personal spending by church leaders. Among the assets cited are an $8.3 million mansion in Tampa’s Avila neighborhood and a 10,000-square-foot home in Wildwood, Missouri, along with multiple additional properties in Florida, Texas and Michigan. Authorities also allege the proceeds paid for high-end vehicles, including Mercedes-Benzes, Bentleys and a Rolls Royce, as well as a boat, jet skis, ATVs, airline tickets and designer clothing.

The indictment further alleges that workers who resisted or failed to meet quotas were subjected to public humiliation, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, food withholding and threats of divine punishment. Some employees reportedly lived in ministry-owned housing and were not permitted to leave without approval. The superseding indictment also accuses Taylor of requesting sexually explicit images from female church workers, who prosecutors say feared refusing him.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva described the case as a serious forced labor scheme that stripped victims of their rights through physical and psychological coercion.

Beyond the criminal allegations, the case has renewed attention on oversight of religious organizations. Unlike most nonprofits classified under Section 501(c)(3), churches are not required to file annual IRS Form 990 disclosures detailing revenue, spending and executive compensation. Critics argue that the exemption can limit transparency, while supporters maintain it protects religious liberty.

Watchdog group MinistryWatch has given the church an “F” transparency grade and a donor confidence score of zero. Experts advise donors to look for warning signs such as pressure to give, limited financial disclosure and visibly lavish lifestyles among leaders.

Taylor remains in federal custody after being denied bond. Brannon was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond with conditions, including surrendering her passport and having no contact with Taylor or former church members. Klein faces a maximum 20-year sentence if convicted.

Despite the charges, the church continues to operate and has challenged the government’s seizure of more than $4.2 million in bank funds and other assets, arguing the action violates its First Amendment rights. A court ruling on that petition is pending.