Trump Judge Denies Southern Poverty Law Center’s Bid to Toss Criminal Case

A federal judge denied the Southern Poverty Law Center’s motion to dismiss criminal indictments, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of vindictive prosecution. The SPLC was indicted on 11 counts, including fraud and money laundering, for allegedly funneling millions to white supremacist and extremist groups. The judge found speculation about presidential or DOJ involvement insufficient to warrant dismissal.

• A federal judge denied the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) bid to dismiss criminal indictments.
• The SPLC had argued vindictive prosecution by the DOJ.
• US District Judge Emily Marks found no evidence of prosecutorial animus.
• The SPLC faces 11 counts including wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.
• The DOJ alleges the SPLC funneled over $3 million to white supremacist and extremist groups.
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the SPLC was “manufacturing extremism” by paying sources.
• FBI Director Kash Patel claimed the SPLC used donor money to pay leaders of extremist groups to stage “hate crimes”.