Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePaul FarrellWednesday 08 July 2026 11:33 BSTThe Justice Department contends the SPLC funded extremist groups while publicly claiming to work towards their dismantling, an accusation the SPLC vehemently denies (Getty Images)The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging it defrauded donors by failing to disclose payments to informants within extremist organizations.The Justice Department contends the SPLC funded extremist groups while publicly claiming to work towards their dismantling, an accusation the SPLC vehemently denies.The SPLC asserts its informant program yielded crucial intelligence shared with law enforcement and accuses the Justice Department of vindictive prosecution, linking it to a broader retribution campaign against political adversaries of Donald Trump.A superseding indictment alleges $4.1 million in donor funds were diverted, with some used for recruiting new members, purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes, and materials for cross-burning ceremonies.The indictment further states that paid informants included KKK members and white nationalists who were offered monthly payments and expense reimbursements after initially seeking assistance to leave extremist affiliations; the case is slated for trial in October.In fullFeds allege donor money paid for KKK robes in explosive case against SPLCMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in