The Southern Poverty Law Center pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges, accused of misleading donors about funds used for informants. The organization alleges the Justice Department is conducting a vindictive prosecution.
The case raises questions about the methods used by civil rights organizations to combat extremism and the potential for political influence in federal prosecutions.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges, accused of misleading donors by failing to disclose that some funds were used to pay informants within extremist organizations. Attorney Abbe Lowell entered the plea on behalf of the SPLC to a superseding indictment that elaborates on charges initially revealed in April. Prosecutors claim $4.1 million in donations were allegedly used to pay informants within groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and white nationalist organizations, as well as for recruiting new members and purchasing materials for extremist ceremonies. The SPLC denies wrongdoing, stating its informant program provided critical intelligence to law enforcement, and alleges the Justice Department is conducting a vindictive prosecution in retaliation against perceived political enemies of President Donald Trump. The arraignment was conducted remotely, and the case is slated for trial in October.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.