Ted DiBiase Jr., a former WWE wrestler, is facing charges in Mississippi for his role in a major corruption case. The case involves the misappropriation of approximately $77 million that was meant for low-income families in the poorest state in the United States.
Court documents reveal that DiBiase, along with co-conspirators John Davis, Christi Webb, Nancy New, and others, obtained federal funds from programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. They then used the money for their own personal purposes.
After receiving the federal funds, Davis, who was the former executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), directed MDHS to sub-grant the funds to two nonprofit organizations – the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi Inc. (FRC) and the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC). These organizations, operated by Webb and New respectively, were allegedly involved in giving money to individuals and companies through fraudulent contracts. It is reported that at least five of these contracts were awarded to DiBiase’s companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC. However, it is alleged that DiBiase’s companies did not provide the services they were contracted for.
DiBiase is accused of using the misappropriated funds to purchase a vehicle, a boat, and to make a down payment on a house, among other expenses.
According to the court document released on Thursday, DiBiase has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering.
If convicted, DiBiase could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, and up to 20 years for each wire fraud count. There is also a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, as well as each count of money laundering.
Others implicated in the scandal include John Davis, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft charges, as well as Christi Webb and Nancy New, who pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud charges. Ted DiBiase Sr. and Brett DiBiase, Ted DiBiase Jr.’s father and brother, were also allegedly involved. Ted DiBiase Jr. was asked to return $3.9 million, while his father was ordered to pay $722,299. Brett DiBiase pleaded guilty to charges of making false representations to defraud the government.
Additionally, NFL legend Brett Favre is also connected to the scandal. For more details on Favre’s involvement, you can refer to the full explainer and timeline of Favre’s involvement in the Mississippi welfare scandal.
