Ex-WWE Star Accused of Lavish Purchases with Stolen Welfare Millions
Prosecutors have detailed a shocking corruption scheme in which former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. allegedly used millions of dollars stolen from welfare programs to fund an extravagant lifestyle. The funds were intended to assist some of Mississippi's poorest and most vulnerable residents.
Mississippi's Largest Public Corruption Case
Described as the largest public corruption case in Mississippi history, the charges against DiBiase include money laundering, theft, wire fraud and conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Jackson alleges that DiBiase's companies obtained federal welfare funds from programs designed to help needy families, then "misappropriated for their own use and benefit."
The scandal has already implicated several high-profile figures, including DiBiase's father, former wrestler Ted DiBiase Sr. (known as "The Million Dollar Man"), and NFL legend Brett Favre. Prosecutors claim that over $77 million intended for vulnerable Mississippians was stolen in the elaborate scheme.
How the Alleged Fraud Operated
According to court documents, a co-conspirator, John Davis, the former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, allegedly ordered his department to transfer welfare funds to two nonprofit organizations. These organizations, operated by alleged co-conspirators Christi Webb and Nancy New, then awarded "sham contracts" to DiBiase's companies under the guise of providing social services.
Between 2017 and 2018, at least five such contracts were issued to two companies operated by DiBiase – Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC. The services these firms supposedly provided were never delivered, according to prosecutors.
Luxury Purchases with Public Funds
Instead of providing assistance to those in need, the illegally obtained funds were allegedly used by DiBiase to purchase:
- A $1.4 million mansion
- A $55,000 pontoon boat
- A $34,000 Kubota tractor
- A $40,000 truck
- Various other extravagances
The jury is now set to begin deliberations after both prosecution and defense rested their cases. DiBiase, 43, opted not to testify in his own defense.
Co-Conspirators and Personal Relationships
Alleged co-conspirator John Davis has already pleaded guilty in the case, while DiBiase's brother, Brett DiBiase (also a former wrestler), has pleaded guilty in two rounds of charges relating to the scandal.
Court testimony revealed that Davis kept pushing to ensure DiBiase secured more contracts, citing his very close, personal relationship with both Ted DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase. The court reportedly saw intimate text messages between Davis and the DiBiase brothers that suggested unusually close personal bonds.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentence
Lawyers for DiBiase recently attempted to have the charges against him dismissed, arguing that authorities had not presented enough evidence to secure a conviction. The judge denied this request, allowing the case to proceed to jury deliberations.
If found guilty on all charges, DiBiase could face a staggering total of 185 years in prison, effectively a life sentence for the former professional wrestler. The case has drawn national attention due to both the scale of the alleged fraud and the involvement of celebrity figures from the worlds of professional wrestling and sports.
