Former WWE Wrestler Faces Decades in Prison Over Alleged $1.5 Million Welfare Fraud
Prosecutors have levelled explosive allegations against former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr, claiming he purchased a house, boat, tractor, and truck – with a combined value of $1.5 million – using stolen welfare funds. The 43-year-old ex-wrestler, who competed in the WWE between 2007 and 2013, is now confronting the prospect of decades behind bars for his purported involvement in what authorities describe as the largest public corruption scheme in Mississippi's history.
Luxury Purchases Funded by 'Sham Contracts'
According to court documents, DiBiase Jr is accused of securing funds earmarked for vital social services through what prosecutors term 'sham contracts.' The misappropriated money was allegedly used to acquire a $1.4 million home, a $55,000 boat, a $34,000 tractor, and a $40,000 truck. These substantial purchases form the core of the criminal charges, which include money laundering, theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
DiBiase has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, as reported by Mississippi Today. However, the legal proceedings advanced this week when a federal judge denied a request to dismiss the case. Defence lawyers had reportedly argued that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to secure a conviction, but the judge allowed the charges to proceed.
A Family and Sports Legend Entangled in Scandal
The scandal has cast a wide net, ensnaring several high-profile figures over recent years. DiBiase Jr's father, Ted DiBiase Sr – a WWE Hall of Famer famously known as The Million Dollar Man – is among those implicated. Additionally, NFL legend Brett Favre has been drawn into the controversy, though he has denied any wrongdoing and faces no criminal charges.
Authorities allege that a staggering $24 million in public funds was misappropriated overall. In response, the State of Mississippi has sued 38 individuals, including DiBiase Sr and Favre, in an effort to recover some of the lost money. DiBiase Sr has also denied any misconduct and, according to reports, filed a defamation lawsuit last year against Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.
Brother's Guilty Plea and Potential Penalties
Adding to the family's legal troubles, DiBiase Jr's brother Brett, a fellow former wrestler, has already pleaded guilty to both state and federal charges arising from the same case. This development underscores the breadth of the alleged scheme.
If convicted, DiBiase Jr faces severe penalties: up to 20 years imprisonment for each count of wire fraud, 10 years for each count of theft and money laundering, and five years for conspiracy. Prosecutors claim his companies illicitly obtained federal funds from programmes such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, then diverted these resources for personal gain.
The case continues to unfold, highlighting serious allegations of corruption that have rocked Mississippi and drawn national attention due to the involvement of prominent sports personalities.
