The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has denied allegations that it secretly funded informants within hate groups without informing law enforcement, as the organization faces federal fraud charges. In court filings, the SPLC argued that law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, were aware of its informant program for years and benefited from intelligence gathered through it.
The Alabama-based nonprofit was indicted last week on 11 counts of wire and bank fraud, with prosecutors alleging the SPLC misled donors by using their money to pay informants who infiltrated extremist groups. The DOJ claims the SPLC failed to disclose this practice to donors or banks, violating federal law.
In its legal defense, the SPLC cited three instances where it shared information from its informants with law enforcement to disrupt hate group activities. The organization also accused Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of making false statements, including claims that the DOJ had no knowledge of the informant program. Blanche made these remarks during a press conference and on Fox News after the indictment was announced.
Prosecutors allege the SPLC paid informants within the Aryan Nations and other extremist groups, including over $300,000 to an officer in the Aryan Nations-affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club between 2014 and 2020. The SPLC has denied wrongdoing, arguing that its investigative methods have long been used to dismantle violent extremist organizations.
The SPLC has also sought the disclosure of grand jury materials, arguing that the indictment contains legal flaws and that the grand jury was misled by the government's presentation. The organization has vowed to file a motion to dismiss the case, calling the charges a departure from established Justice Department policy.
The legal battle comes amid political tensions, as the SPLC has been a frequent target of criticism from allies of former President Donald Trump. The organization has maintained that its work remains vital in tracking and countering hate groups across the U.S.