Ted DiBiase Jr.’s Federal Fraud Trial Resuming Next Week

The federal trial against Ted DiBiase Jr. on fraud is officially set to resume next week. As reported, DiBiase was indicted on charges related to the Mississippi welfare fraud scandal following an April 2023 arrest. PWInsider reports that the criminal trial will resume on February 23rd.

DiBiase is accused with co-conspirators of fraudulently obtaining federal funds from programs including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and misappropriated the money for personal use. The funds were allegedly used for a down payment on a house, the purchase of a vehicle, and a boat, among other personal expenditures.

Prosecutors claim that DiBiase Jr. used two of his companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC, to enter into at least five sham contracts to provide social services, receiving full or nearly full payment regardless of whether work was performed.

If convicted, DiBiase Jr. faces the following maximum penalties:

* One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud: 5 years in prison.
* Six counts of wire fraud: 20 years in prison for each count.
* Two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds: 10 years in prison for each count.
* Four counts of money laundering: 10 years in prison for each count.

DiBiase has pleaded not guilty to all charges.