Former SPLC official arrested as feds expand case over alleged $4M scheme involving extremist groups

Federal indictment alleges donor funds were secretly funneled to groups like the Ku Klux Klan

Jasmine Baehr By Jasmine Baehr Fox News

Published August 12, 2026 3:46pm EDT

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-splc-official-arrested-feds-expand-case-alleged-4m-scheme-involving-extremist-groups

Federal prosecutors charged former Southern Poverty Law Center official Heidi Beirich and the SPLC with alleged financial crimes involving donor money. Prosecutors claim millions of dollars were secretly sent to extremist sources for activities including investigations, rallies, and materials. The SPLC denies wrongdoing and says it will defend itself in court. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty.