Southern Poverty Law Center Pleads Not Guilty to Superseding Fraud Charges

The Southern Poverty Law Center pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 11 federal counts of wire fraud, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealment of money laundering. The charges stem from a June 2 superseding indictment that added allegations about how donor money financed undercover operations.

Prosecutors say the organization paid field operatives to infiltrate and report on certain right-wing groups without telling donors.

Lowell entered the plea on behalf of the organization at the arraignment before Magistrate Judge Kelly Pate. Lowell also filed a motion asking the court to require Justice Department officials to answer questions about the release of the superseding indictment.

Lowell accused the department of leaking an unsigned draft document to the press before the official filing. The government has until July 13 to respond to the motion.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin October 5, 2026, before Judge Emily Marks. Lowell said the defense believes the motion to show cause has merit and may eliminate the need for a trial. U.S. attorney Kevin Davidson said the investigation remains open and that prosecutors have already turned over more documents than required by law.

Pate stated the case will proceed on the current schedule regardless of any additional charges.