Former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr. is facing decades in prison if convicted in a corruption scheme where he allegedly used stolen welfare funds to buy a $1.4 million mansion, a boat, a tractor, and a truck, prosecutors have said.
Described as the largest public corruption case in Mississippi history, the charges against DiBiase include money laundering, theft, wire fraud and conspiracy. The scandal has already engulfed figures including his father, Ted DiBiase Sr., known as 'The Million Dollar Man' during his wrestling career, and NFL legend Brett Favre, with prosecutors claiming that over $77 million intended for vulnerable Mississippians was stolen.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Jackson, Mississippi, alleges that DiBiase's companies obtained federal welfare funds from the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs, which were then misappropriated. To obtain the funds, it is alleged that co-conspirator John Davis, former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, ordered transfers to two nonprofits operated by alleged co-conspirators Christi Webb and Nancy New. They then awarded 'sham contracts' to DiBiase's companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC, for services never delivered.
The illegally obtained funds were used by DiBiase to purchase a $1.4 million home, a $55,000 pontoon boat, a $34,000 Kubota tractor and a $40,000 truck, among other items. The jury is now set to begin deliberations, with both prosecution and defence having rested. DiBiase, 43, opted not to testify. Co-conspirator Davis has already pleaded guilty, as has DiBiase's brother, Brett DiBiase, also a former wrestler.
According to court testimony, Davis kept pushing to ensure DiBiase secured more contracts, citing his close personal relationship with both brothers. Text messages showed Davis writing to Ted DiBiase Jr., 'I will freaking die for you,' to which DiBiase replied, 'It would be my honor to die for you bro.' Lawyers for DiBiase attempted to have charges dismissed, arguing insufficient evidence, but the judge denied the request. If found guilty, he could face up to 185 years in prison.
