Southern Poverty Law Center says it faces a Justice Department criminal probe over paid informants - AP News

AP News
April 21, 2026
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The Southern Poverty Law Center faces a Justice Department criminal probe over paid informants.

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The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced it is facing a criminal probe by the Justice Department concerning its use of paid informants. This investigation reportedly stems from allegations related to the SPLC's practices involving individuals who provided information to the organization. The Justice Department's action signifies a serious legal challenge for the SPLC, a prominent civil rights organization known for tracking hate groups. This development could impact the SPLC's operations and public standing, as a federal criminal probe carries significant implications.

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The Justice Department is conducting a criminal probe into the Southern Poverty Law Center regarding its use of paid informants.

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