SPLC fights indictment, arguing DOJ knew of informants

An 11-count indictment accuses the Southern Poverty Law Center of wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering tied to paid confidential sources who provided information on right-wing extremist groups; SPLC says federal officials were aware of the informants and argues the case seeks to criminalize routine investigative tools, filing motions for grand jury disclosures and to counter prejudicial public statements, with the DOJ ordered to respond by May 5 amid political reaction.