Former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. has been charged with involvement in the largest corruption case in Mississippi history. The entire welfare scandal revolves around the misappropriation of nearly $77 million intended for low-income families in the country’s poorest state.
Court documents show that DiBiase, along with co-conspirators John Davis, Kristi Webb, Nancy New and others, obtained federal funds from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) and misappropriated the funds for their own personal use.
After the federal funds were issued, Davis—former executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services—was directing MDHS to subcontract the funds to North Mississippi Inc.’s Family Resource Center. (FRC) and the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC), nonprofit organizations operated by Webb and New, respectively.
Davis then allegedly directed Webb and New to provide funds to individuals and companies through fictitious contracts. According to the Ministry of JusticeAt least five of those contracts were for DiBiase’s companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC. DiBiase’s companies were given millions of dollars in federal funds for social services that he “did not provide nor intended to provide.”
DiBiase allegedly used the money to purchase a car and boat, as well as the down payment for a house, among other expenses.
“DiBiase is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and committing theft related to programs receiving federal funds, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft related to programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering,” the document read. Released on Thursday.
If convicted, DiBiase could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy. Each wire fraud has a maximum penalty of 20 years. There is also a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count of theft related to programs that receive federal funds and for each count of money laundering.
Davis Admission of guilt to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft related to programs that receive federal funds on September 22, 2022. Neo and her son Zack pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud charges in April 2022. This past March, Mississippi Today reported Webb pleaded guilty One count of theft related to federal funds.
DiBiase’s brother, Bret, and father, Ted DiBiase Sr., were also allegedly involved. After the federal audit was completed, DiBiase was required to return $3.9 million, while his father was ordered to pay him $722,299. Brett was asked for $225,950, but pleaded guilty in December 2020 in state court to making false allegations of defrauding the government, then pleaded guilty to a federal charge in March of this year.
Another prominent figure has emerged implicated in the scandal NFL The legend Brett Favre. Here is a file A full explanation and timeline of Favre’s involvement in the Mississippi sponsorship scandal.