Former WWE superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. has been acquitted of all criminal charges in the Mississippi welfare fraud case. A federal jury deliberated for approximately four hours on Friday, March 20, before returning not-guilty verdicts on all 13 counts against the 43-year-old, according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger.
DiBiase faced 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 federal programs, and four counts of money laundering — carrying a potential maximum sentence of 185 years in federal prison. U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves immediately released DiBiase from all conditions of his bond following the verdict.
Speaking to reporters outside the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse, an emotional DiBiase reflected on the years-long ordeal.
Seven years of being slandered and made to be something that is completely false, about tore my family apart. But we're strong. I'm so thankful it's over."
He added: "To all the doubters or haters or people that maybe had false information and not all the information — I forgive you, and I love you, too.
DiBiase then embraced his brother Brett on the courthouse steps, a poignant moment given that Brett DiBiase had previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in the same case.
Background on the Case
Federal prosecutors had accused DiBiase Jr. — son of WWE Hall of Famer Ted "The Million Dollar Man" DiBiase — of stealing more than $1 million in federal public assistance funds through "sham contracts" with two nonprofit organizations.
The government alleged funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Emergency Food Assistance programs were used to purchase a truck, a boat, a Disney trip, and a roughly $1.5 million lakeside home in Madison, Mississippi, which the federal government has since seized.
The defense countered that DiBiase was a legitimate contractor who scheduled trainings, arranged business meetings, and fulfilled his obligations. Defense attorney Scott Gilbert told reporters after the verdict:
People need to understand everybody's case is different. Teddy trusted those folks to guide him in the right direction. And unfortunately, it got him in a difficult spot.
The Broader Scandal
DiBiase's acquittal comes amid the larger $77 million Mississippi welfare fraud scandal. He was the only defendant who chose to contest the charges at trial.
Seven others — including former Mississippi Department of Human Services Director John Davis, nonprofit founder Nancy New, her son Zachary New, and Brett DiBiase — have already pleaded guilty to state or federal charges and are awaiting sentencing.
Mississippi State Auditor Shad White issued a statement expressing disappointment with the verdict but noted:
Nothing changes the fact that seven people have already pleaded guilty to state or federal charges because of the welfare scandal. My hope now is that the state's lawyers will be able to recover as much of the misspent money as possible in civil court.
The trial began January 6 but was paused January 14 when DiBiase's lead defense attorney fell ill. Proceedings resumed February 23, with the prosecution resting March 17, the defense resting March 18, and closing arguments delivered March 19.
Source: Mississippi Clarion Ledger | Additional background: Post Wrestling
