Judge rejects SPLC motion to sever its case from former CFO, delaying trial set for October 5th, 2026.

Judge rejects SPLC motion to sever its case from former CFO, delaying trial set for October 5th, 2026.

DOJ charges it was 'propping up the extremism that it claims it exists to oppose'

A federal judge rejected the Southern Poverty Law Center's attempt to sever its trial on fraud and conspiracy charges from that of its former chief financial officer, Heidi Beirich, Monday, delaying the trial until Feb. 1.

A federal jury first indicted the SPLC on wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy charges in April, and juries returned superseding indictments in June and in August. The August indictment included Beirich, along with additional charges. The court had scheduled the trial for Oct. 5.

This second superseding indictment marked the first time prosecutors named a specific SPLC official and accused her of participating in the allegedly illegal conduct.

While the SPLC has been preparing for trial since April, Beirich told the court she needs more time to prepare an adequate defense, so she moved to delay the trial.