A massive federal case surrounding a Michigan church leader is growing even larger, with prosecutors revealing an extraordinary mountain of evidence as the pastor seeks release from federal custody.
David Taylor, leader of Kingdom of God Global Church, is asking a federal judge to reconsider his detention while his attorneys also seek dismissal of a new indictment. Taylor and other church leaders stand accused of operating an alleged forced-labor scheme spanning multiple states.
According to Local 4, prosecutors have accumulated more than 45 terabytes of evidence in the case. That includes more than 400,000 pages of documents, footage from over 700 body cameras and material collected from more than 70 electronic devices.
The enormous amount of discovery could now help push Taylor’s trial into 2027.
The latest developments follow months of disturbing allegations surrounding Taylor’s ministry.
As Charisma previously reported, Kathleen Klein, who went by “Prophetess,” became the third church leader indicted in the federal investigation earlier this year. Klein served as an executive and leader of Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International, alongside Taylor and Michelle Brannon.
Charisma also reported that prosecutors accused the ministry of operating call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas and Missouri where workers allegedly labored for long hours without pay while facing intense fundraising demands. Those who failed to meet expectations allegedly endured punishments ranging from sleep deprivation and withholding of food and shelter to physical abuse, forced repentance and threats of divine judgment.
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Federal authorities say approximately $50 million in donations flowed into the ministry over roughly a decade, with Taylor allegedly using ministry funds for real estate, vehicles and other luxury purchases. Klein faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted of conspiracy to commit forced labor.
Now, however, Taylor’s attorneys say newly produced evidence tells a dramatically different story.
Local 4 reported that Taylor’s defense team is pointing to FBI interviews, cellphone records and raid footage that attorneys say contradict some of the government’s forced-labor allegations. According to the defense, some described joining voluntarily, remaining in contact with family members, having access to food and medical care and being free to leave.
Taylor’s attorneys further contend that most of the members returned to the ministry after federal agents raided properties in five states.
With 45 terabytes of evidence, hundreds of thousands of pages and dozens of electronic devices involved, the legal battle surrounding Kingdom of God Global Church appears nowhere near its conclusion.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
