SPLC Seeks Sanctions Against DOJ for Indictment Leak to Media

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has requested a federal judge to consider sanctions against the Department of Justice (DOJ) after an unsigned draft of a superseding indictment was allegedly shared with the media prior to its official filing. The indictment accuses the SPLC of fraud related to its informant program, claiming it misled donors and funded extremist activities. The SPLC argues that the DOJ's actions violated grand jury secrecy rules, potentially prejudicing its case. The DOJ's indictment includes 11 counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, but does not add new charges from the original indictment issued in April. The SPLC's lawyers highlighted that the draft shared with journalists contained differences from the final version filed in court. They are seeking a hearing to address the DOJ's conduct and the implications for their case.

Key Points: • SPLC requests sanctions against DOJ for sharing a draft indictment with the media. • The indictment alleges fraud related to SPLC's informant program and extremist funding. • The DOJ's actions are claimed to violate grand jury secrecy rules, affecting SPLC's defense.