Judge rejects SPLC bid to dismiss case as ‘vindictive’ prosecution
Judge Emily Marks said the Southern Poverty Law Center failed to show prosecutors acted with unconstitutional animus, allowing the 11-count fraud case to proceed.
- On Friday, District Judge Emily Marks rejected the Southern Poverty Law Center's motion to dismiss the Justice Department's fraud case, ruling the organization failed to show prosecutorial animus and allowing the criminal prosecution to proceed.
- The SPLC had argued the prosecution was vindictive, citing public criticism from President Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, and others, claiming the case was revived after being closed during the Biden administration.
- Marks criticized both sides for their legal briefs, noting they engaged in "ad hominem attacks" through press releases and social media posts, emphasizing federal courts are not forums for political grievances.
- Rejecting the discovery request, Marks noted the SPLC failed to meet the burden required to prove vindictive prosecution, finding no requisite objective evidence the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama targeted the group.
- An SPLC spokesperson said Friday that the group "will continue to vigorously defend ourselves, our staff, and our work," as reported by The Hill, vowing the DOJ's actions will not shake their resolve to fight for the Civil Rights movement.
19 Articles
19 Articles
SPLC accused by DOJ of using $4.1 million to promote hate groups, buy KKK robes
A federal grand jury has returned a second indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, adding new charges and superseding an indictment in April that accused the SPLC of secretly funding racist organizations that it told donors it was working to dismantle.The new indictment alleges that, between 2007 and 2023, the SPLC secretly funneled more than $4 million in donated funds to individuals associated with violent extremist groups.
Federal judge denies Southern Poverty Law Center's motion to dismiss criminal charges
The Southern Poverty Law Center's headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama on February 8, 2023. A federal judge on Friday declined a motion from SPLC to dismiss federal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, writing the SPLC had not shown enough evidence that it was being targeted for opposition to Donald Trump. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)A federal court judge Friday denied a motion from the Southern Poverty Law Center to dismiss crim…
Trump Judge Rules SPLC Can't Prove Vindictive Prosecution Without Evidence, Which She Also Won't Let Them See
Before the DOJ brought criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center, FBI Director Kash Patel called the civil rights organization “a partisan smear machine” and accused the entity of defaming hate groups. Because Kash Patel has never met a political investigation he couldn’t take credit for, the FBI went so far as to issue a report on the group and claim that its work convinced the then-acting U.S. Attorney to open a case. Assistant …
Judge denies Southern Poverty Law Center's bid to dismiss DOJ...
A federal judge on Aug. 7 rejected the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) bid to dismiss charges brought by the Justice Department, saying the nonprofit failed to show that the prosecution against it was vindictive. The department indicted the SPLC in April on 11 counts of wire fraud, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The organization was accused of defrauding donors by funneling mi…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
