Religious leaders accused of threatening workers for sexual content

Federal prosecutors released disturbing details of how so-called religious leaders in the Kingdom of God Global Church allegedly forced workers into sending sexual images and videos, according to a new filing. The Justice Department charged David Taylor, Michelle Brannon, and Kathleen Klein as co-leaders of a national forced labor organization that victimized individuals from across Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.

The DOJ initially indicted Taylor and Brannon last July, then Klein this February. Taylor referred to himself as an apostle, while Klein dubbed herself a prophetess, and Brannon served as Taylor’s executive director. The trio allegedly forced victims to work grueling hours without pay in call centers soliciting donations for the church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International. The latest superseding indictment filed late last month gave more alleged details about the leaders, specifically Taylor, using the guise of religion to sexually abuse victims.

What new details were released? The new indictment cited multiple text conversations where Taylor appeared to ply victims as young as 18 years old into sending nude images by threatening Satan’s wrath. Taylor threatened female workers with expulsion from the church or spiritual consequences if victims refused to provide him with requested explicit images and videos, according to prosecutors.

The superseding indictment included full conversations, littered with sexually explicit language and instructions. During a March 2020 conversation, Taylor told a 19-year-old worker that God ordained the pair to be together, and warned that she would meet Satan if she resisted. He claimed Satan was trying to deceive the girl by making her doubt God’s will, adding that the devil would ultimately destroy her if she did not surrender to what he described as their God-ordained match. The superseding indictment included several similar conversations with multiple workers. The indictment also documented alleged punishments by Taylor of the workers by posting explicit images of them online.

Aside from the alleged sexual abuse, the indictment additionally accused Taylor and the other leaders of controlling every aspect of victims’ daily lives, with many sleeping at the call center. The conspiracy ran for over a decade and generated about $50 million in donations, the DOJ reported in February. Leaders used the money to purchase personal real estate, vehicles, travel, and other luxury goods. The initial indictment accused Taylor and Brannon of using donations to purchase expensive leisure equipment, including a boat, jet skis, and ATVs.