Former WWE Star Ted DiBiase Jr. Faces Fraud Charges
Former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. has been accused of stealing over $1.4 million in a significant welfare fraud scheme in Mississippi, according to reports.
Being the son of the legendary “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase Sr., DiBiase Jr. faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term if found guilty of the fraud. Prosecutors allege that the 43-year-old misappropriated welfare funds to finance the purchase of a $1.4 million house and luxury items, including a pontoon boat worth $55,000, a $34,000 Kubota tractor, and a $40,000 truck. He is charged with diverting funds that were intended to assist low-income families in Mississippi.
The indictment states that between 2017 and 2018, DiBiase was given $3 million from John Davis, a former Secretary of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, who is also a co-conspirator.
Davis has already admitted guilt to state and federal charges associated with the misuse of millions from welfare programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Additionally, two others, Christy Webb and Nancy New, are reportedly part of this fraudulent scheme. Investigators indicate that Davis played a key role in channeling funds to DiBiase.
DiBiase has asserted that the funds were intended for developing an app meant to help combat poverty within the Department of Health and Human Services in Mississippi. However, this app has yet to be completed or provided to the state.
Davis has testified that he was aware from the outset that DiBiase would not be able to successfully complete the app or meet the contractual obligations with the state.
Authorities are currently looking into the involvement of 38 individuals linked to a larger $24 million fraud case in which state funds totaling at least $77 million have been reported stolen.
Notably, several prominent figures, such as NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre and former University of Oklahoma star Marcus Dupree, are said to have connections to this investigation.
DiBiase maintains his innocence and is preparing for trial. If he is convicted on all counts, he could face a potential sentence of up to 120 years in prison.
