Alabama AG Opens Probe Into Southern Poverty Law Center Amid Federal Fraud Case

The attorney general wants documents detailing donations and payments made to informants using donated funds. The group is headquartered in Alabama.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks to members of the press at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Oct. 4, 2022. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Alabama’s Attorney General Steve Marshall said on May 11 that his office has opened an investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) following its federal fraud indictment last month.

An Alabama grand jury indicted the SPLC on April 21 on 11 counts of wire fraud, making false statements, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors alleged that the center had secretly funneled millions of dollars to informants in various extremist groups. The SPLC has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges.