Ex-WWE Star Accused of Massive Welfare Fraud Scheme
Former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. is involved in what prosecutors are calling the largest public corruption case in the history of Mississippi. The 43-year-old is accused of stealing over $2.9 million meant for low-income residents across the state.
The Louisiana native allegedly used the stolen money to buy a $1.4 million home in Madison County, Mississippi, as well as three vehicles: a $55,000 pontoon boat, a $40,000 truck, and a $34,000 Kubota tractor. He now faces 13 charges and could be sentenced to 120 years in prison.
DiBiase Accused of Using 'Sham Contracts' to Steal Government Assistance Funds
DiBiase is said to have received millions of dollars in federal funding from the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families via "sham contracts" without providing any services to support families in need. The U.S. Attorney in Jackson, MS, claims that federal funds were wrongfully allocated by DiBiase's co-conspirator, former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, John Davis.
Two local nonprofit organizations, the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi and the Mississippi Community Education Center, were allegedly used as shell companies to misappropriate money to the accused scammer. Leaders of those two organizations, Christi Webb and Nancy New, both pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and testified in court that they were told to send money to DiBiase. The former wrestler received payments through his own companies: Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC.
The son of "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Sr. is now charged with theft, money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy as a federal judge this week denied his motion to dismiss charges against him. Former Department of Human Services head Davis also pleaded guilty and testified that DiBiase was aware that the funds were intended for the Mississippi welfare program.
DiBiase Jr.'s Charges Part of Larger Network, Prosecutors Say
DiBiase Jr. only plays a small role in the largest corruption scheme to rock Mississippi. As different aspects of the case have been investigated over the past six years, it's been discovered that around $77 million total has been misappropriated from Mississippi families in need. While DiBiase Jr. is the only high-profile public figure that is currently facing criminal charges, NFL star Brett Farve faced civil lawsuits in 2023 for similarly benefitting off of federal funds.
DiBiase's Professional Wrestling Career
Ted DiBiase Jr. wrestled in the 2000s and early 2010s, first signing a developmental deal with the WWE in 2007. He would form a tag team with Cody Rhodes in 2008 and go on to win the Tag Team Championship twice. The pair would go on to become part of Randy Orton's The Legacy faction. He received the Million Dollar Championship from his father before leaving the WWE in 2013 and retiring from wrestling in 2020.