Kathleen Klein Indicted in Michigan Forced Labor Conspiracy

Details of the indictment

The superseding indictment, filed Feb. 11, 2026, alleges Klein served as a leader and executive of the church known formerly as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI) and now operating as the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC). Court documents say Klein and Michelle Brannon assisted David Taylor in enforcing punishments for workers who failed to meet fundraising goals or resisted orders. The U.S. Department of Justice described the alleged conduct as part of a multi-state forced labor conspiracy. (Source: U.S. Department of Justice press release)

Alleged abuses in the call centers

Prosecutors allege the defendants ran a network of call centers that recruited workers to solicit donations for the church. According to the indictment, victims were forced to work long hours without pay and pressured to meet aggressive fundraising targets. When workers fell short or resisted, the indictment alleges they faced:

• Public humiliation and forced repentance rituals;
• Sleep deprivation, withholding of food and shelter, and physical abuse;
• Threats of “divine judgment” including sickness, accidents, death, or eternal damnation.

(Sources: DOJ, Fox News, CBS Detroit.)

Text messages, orders and leadership role

The indictment reportedly includes text messages prosecutors say show Klein assigning victims to “heavy labor” and issuing threats. One message cited by news outlets quotes Klein in July 2025 saying,

“I want to slap them so hard with a drop-kick.”

Court filings also describe Klein as an executive and leader who helped run call center operations and enforce discipline. (Sources: Fox13, Fox News.)

Financial scale and use of donations

Prosecutors allege that since 2014 the organization collected roughly about $50 million in donations. The indictment asserts leaders used donations for personal purchases, including real estate, vehicles, airline tickets, luxury goods, boats, jet skis and all-terrain vehicles. The charges also include conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to how funds were handled and spent. (Sources: DOJ, Fox News, Fox13.)

Additional allegations against David Taylor

The superseding indictment adds new allegations against co-defendant David Taylor. Prosecutors say Taylor frequently requested and received sexually explicit photographs and videos from female church workers, some of whom feared disobeying him. Taylor faces additional counts, including conspiracy to establish peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or trafficking, as part of the broader forced labor and money-laundering case. (Sources: Fox News, DOJ, Fox13.)

Legal penalties and next steps

Klein is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, according to prosecutors. Taylor and Brannon face multiple counts, including forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering; each count carries potential penalties up to 20 years. The case will proceed through federal court and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. (Sources: DOJ, Fox News.)

Church response

The Kingdom of God Global Church denied the allegations, saying prosecutors have “falsely labeled this church a criminal organization” and describing its members as volunteer missionaries preaching the gospel. The statement says church leaders and members are not victims of criminal behavior. (Source: Fox2 Detroit.)

Implications for San Diego, California

Although the alleged operations centered in Michigan, Missouri, Florida and Texas, the case has potential local effects in San Diego across economic, political and social domains.

Economic impact

Local charities and faith groups that solicit donations may face increased scrutiny. Donors in San Diego who gave remotely could demand clearer accounting and stronger transparency. Financial institutions and payment processors serving local nonprofits may be pressured to tighten fraud and donation-monitoring practices.

Political consequences

The case could prompt San Diego leaders to review charity solicitation rules and consumer-protection outreach. Elected officials and consumer affairs offices might receive more complaints about aggressive or deceptive fundraising, and state lawmakers could cite this case when proposing tighter telefundraising rules.

Social effects

Victims’ accounts highlight risks that can occur in faith-based settings. San Diego’s service providers, shelters and advocacy groups should be prepared to assist people who report abuse while volunteering or working for religious organizations. This case may encourage survivors to come forward.

Cultural relevance

The indictment raises questions about abuse of religious authority. Faith leaders, interfaith councils and seminaries in the region may increase training on ethical leadership and worker protections to prevent exploitation.

Practical applications for residents

• Donors: Vet charities before giving, ask for audited financials and check registration with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts.
• Volunteers and workers: Confirm job terms in writing, know rights on pay and hours, and contact local labor agencies if illegal treatment is suspected.
• Service providers: Be alert to trafficking or forced labor cases linked to religious fundraising and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary.

Reporting contact and resources

San Diegans with information can contact the San Diego County District Attorney’s consumer protection unit or the California Attorney General. National resources include the U.S. Department of Justice press release and the National Human Trafficking Hotline coverage references in reporting.

Reporting notes and sources

This report is based on the federal indictment and public statements from the U.S. Department of Justice and coverage from local and national outlets. Primary documents and reporting include the U.S. Department of Justice press release (Feb. 11, 2026), Fox News coverage, Fox13 reporting, CBS Detroit summary, and Fox2 Detroit church response.