U.S. indicts former SPLC executive in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the SPLC of telling donors and banks the group was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, but instead funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups to fund "violent, racist and extremist activities."
Former Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) executive Heidi Beirich has been indicted on charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, according to a superseding indictment unsealed on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege that Beirich orchestrated a scheme to defraud donors and banks by falsely claiming the SPLC was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, while instead funneling payments to informants engaged in violent, racist, and extremist activities.
The indictment specifically details Beirich's involvement in payments to an informant, including the sharing of a home and two bank accounts, through which $140,000 flowed between 2015 and 2021. Beirich's lawyer, Michael J. Proctor, maintains her innocence, stating the charges are politically motivated and that the SPLC has been targeted due to her work combating hate groups.
Beirich's arraignment is set for August 19, and the SPLC has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case began in April when the Justice Department announced an investigation into the SPLC, expanding from a previous probe focused on the CFO over suspected embezzlement.
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