Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Defense Rests in Welfare Fraud Trial

As previously reported, prosecutors presented new evidence in the federal fraud trial against former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. this week. In the latest update from WJTV, the defense rested on behalf of DiBiase Jr., who is on trial for welfare fraud.

The defense rested after the prosecution rested its case, with DiBiase Jr.’s side stating that the former wrestler would not be testifying on his own behalf during the trial.

Per court documents, DiBiase and co-conspirators, former Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Executive Director John Davis, Christi Webb, Nancy New, and others, allegedly fraudulently obtained federal funds, including money from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

The prosecution alleges that Davis directed Webb and New to award sham contracts to various entities, purportedly for the delivery of social services, including five sham contracts that were awarded to DiBiase’s companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC. The indictment states that FRC and MCEC provided millions of dollars in federal funds from MDHS to DiBiase and his companies for social services that he did not provide or intend to provide.

The former WWE wrestler is also alleged to have used the federal funds to buy a vehicle and a boat, and for the down payment on the purchase of a house. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and for each count of money laundering.

Additionally, WJTV reports that on Tuesday (March 17), the judge denied a motion to dismiss the charges against DiBiase Jr. to commit wire fraud and theft. DiBiase’s brother, Brett, also pleaded guilty to state and federal charges tied to the case. They are both the sons of WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase.