US lawmakers say DoJ rushed Southern Poverty Law Center indictment, citing whistleblower
Summary
A whistleblower told House Democrats that a Justice Department lawyer pressured prosecutors to quickly file criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) despite doubts about the case. The SPLC was indicted on fraud and money laundering charges related to an informant program but denies wrongdoing, while lawmakers are now investigating the rush to indict.Key Facts
- Aakash Singh, a Justice Department lawyer, pushed for a quick indictment of the SPLC despite concerns about the case’s strength.
- The SPLC faces 11 federal charges, including wire fraud and money laundering.
- The charges relate to an informant program where the SPLC paid people to infiltrate extremist groups and shared information with law enforcement.
- The SPLC denies all allegations and legal experts say the case appears weak.
- Todd Blanche, acting US attorney general, announced the indictment and is seen as trying to impress President Trump for a permanent post.
- The Justice Department claims the case was built over years, but a social media post supporting this was later deleted.
- Singh reportedly told prosecutors that President Trump was their “chief client” and encouraged aggressive investigations of political opponents.
- Lawyers for the SPLC have asked a court to stop the government from making statements that could harm their reputation before trial.
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