ATLANTA — One of two men at the center of an grand jury investigation into embezzlement within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference sat down with Channel 2 Action News for his first interview about the probe. Spiver Gordon is the treasurer for the SCLC. He said he did nothing wrong and called the investigation a power grab.
"It's a mess. It's someone trying to grab this organization and take over this organization," Gordon said.
Channel 2's Investigative Reporter Mark Winne traveled to Alabama to meet with Gordon and ask about the missing money. Reports last month claimed Gordon and SCLC Chairman Rev. Raleigh Trammell may have diverted at least $569,000 of SCLC money to bank accounts they controlled.
Gordon told Channel 2 he didn't take any money. "Absolutely, not a penny. (I) have given money and the only thing I've received is reimbursements that I'm entitled to."
Gordon joined the SCLC in the 1960's and said he participated in every major march in the country. Now, he feels his reputation is being trampled in what he alleges is a struggle for control of the Atlanta-based organization.
"Every penny that was spent by this treasurer was approved by the board of directors, the chairman of the board, and the president (of the SCLC)," Gordon said.
SCLC board member, Dr. Bernard Lafayette said others in the organization aren't convinced. "We are determined to take back the direction of our organization," Gordon said.
The SCLC launched their investigation in October. A recent newspaper report suggested that in January, SCLC attorney Dexter Wimbish sent a letter to Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard. In that letter, Wimbish alleged the SCLC's investigation found Trammel and Gordon submitted false reimbursement claims, and took money from a board travel account for personal use, among other things.
Gordon strongly denied those allegations and called it total nonsense. He said the FBI has not contacted him about an investigation. He did acknowledge the money at issue was paid to his wife for bookkeeping and to a relative of Trammel's for other SCLC work. Still, he said the amount is much less than $569,000, and it all was spent legitimately.
"There was moneys that were given that was authorized by the board. There was no diversion," Gordon said.
Gordon said it's possible this investigation is the result of a power struggle between the older members of the SCLC and the newer members. He called it a grab for power, and said those board members supporting SCLC president-elect Bernice King have pushed to have him and Trammell ousted and investigated.
Board members elected Dr. Martin Luther King's daughter, Bernice, to take over the organization back in October. Dr. King was the first president of the civil rights organization in 1957.
Dr. Lafayette said they'd like to have this situation resolved before Ms. King takes office. "We'd like for her to have the benefit of being able to step into a fresh situation where this issue is resolved."
Gordon suggested he'd like to know where she stands on the issue. "I wish she would come forward and say I'm prepared to take this organization and I'm prepare to go forward. And Spiver Gordon would line up behind her."
READ: SCLC Chairman Statement
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