WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center in connection with a now-defunct program that used paid confidential informants to infiltrate white supremacist and other groups. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama is spearheading the investigation, according to sources with direct knowledge.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is a nonprofit that tracks white supremacist and other hate groups across America. The organization has been a frequent target of President Trump's allies.

Bryan Fair, the nonprofit's CEO, said in a video posted online that the probe focuses on bringing potential charges against both the organization and individuals connected to the group. "The focus appears to be on the SPLC's prior use of paid confidential informants to gather credible intelligence on extremely violent groups." Fair said he made the remarks in a video posted by the nonprofit.

Fair also addressed the organization's history of cooperation with authorities. "For decades, we engaged in unprecedented litigation to dismantle the Klan and other hate groups. In light of that work, we sought to protect the safety of our staff and the public. We frequently shared what we learned from informants with local and federal law enforcement, including the FBI." Fair said.

A spokesperson for the SPLC said they did not know the Justice Department's legal theory behind the probe. The Justice Department has stepped up its scrutiny of nonprofits it accuses of being involved with or funding domestic terrorism.