Former SPLC CFO Charged In Pay Scheme
Larry O'Connor > Video
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Heidi Beirich, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), has been indicted in a pay scheme controversy. Known for managing the SPLC's hate map, Byrick is accused of engaging in a romantic relationship with a member of a neo-Nazi organization for five years. She allegedly received over $140,000 through the SPLC, which she used to support her lifestyle and that of her partner. This scandal raises questions about the legality and typicality of such actions for a nonprofit organization. Historically, the SPLC has been accused of exaggerating hate and targeting conservative groups, which has led to their being used by various entities to suppress opposing viewpoints. The indictment against Beirich adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious relationship between the SPLC and conservative organizations.
