SPLC charged with federal fraud

Federal prosecutors allege that the SPLC illegally funneled millions of dollars to leaders of hate groups, including a former KKK Imperial Wizard, to act as informants and fuel extremist activity.

The indictment claims this strategy was used to create a false sense of crisis to spur fundraising from high-profile donors.

The White House has characterized the SPLC as a 'criminal organization' that has duped its supporters for decades.

The SPLC has dismissed the charges as a politically motivated attack on its mission to combat extremism.