Ex-pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. acquitted in Mississippi welfare scandal
Ex-pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. acquitted in Mississippi welfare scandal
The legal saga involving former WWE star Ted "Teddy" DiBiase Jr. reached a stunning conclusion on Friday as a federal jury in Jackson, Mississippi, returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts. DiBiase Jr., who was a prominent figure in professional wrestling during the 2000s and 2010s, had been facing 13 federal criminal charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and money laundering. The trial, which began in early January 2026, was the first criminal proceeding to go to a jury in what has been described as the largest public corruption scandal in Mississippi history. Despite the prosecution's claims that DiBiase Jr. siphoned millions of dollars intended for the state's poorest citizens to fund a lavish lifestyle, the jury ultimately sided with the defense's argument that the services contracted were legitimate and that no criminal intent was proven.
The featured snippet for this trending news update is: **Former professional wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. was found not guilty on all 13 federal charges related to the Mississippi welfare scandal on March 20, 2026. A jury in Jackson acquitted him of conspiracy, wire fraud, theft, and money laundering. While others involved in the $77 million misappropriation case have pleaded guilty, DiBiase Jr. is the only defendant to have faced a trial and been cleared of all criminal wrongdoing.**
The Verdict: A Major Legal Victory for Ted DiBiase Jr.
After weeks of testimony and intense legal maneuvering, the acquittal of Ted DiBiase Jr. marks a significant turning point in the ongoing investigation into Mississippi's misappropriated welfare funds. The "not guilty" verdict on all 13 counts provides a total legal exoneration for the former wrestler, who had maintained his innocence since his indictment in April 2023. His lead attorney, Sidney Lampton, expressed profound relief following the announcement, stating that the verdict was a "weight off her client's chest" and that the jury "got it right."
The prosecution's case rested on the allegation that DiBiase Jr. received millions in federal funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for work that was either never performed or was a "sham." However, the defense successfully argued that DiBiase Jr. provided legitimate services, including public speaking, radio ads, and the development of a poverty-combating mobile app. The jury's decision suggests that the government failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that DiBiase Jr. intended to defraud the state or the federal government.
Background of the Mississippi Welfare Scandal
To understand the magnitude of this acquittal, one must look at the broader context of the Mississippi welfare scandal. At its core, the scandal involves the misappropriation of at least $77 million in federal welfare funds intended for the state's most vulnerable residents. The investigation, which became public in 2020, uncovered a complex web of "sham contracts" and diverted funds that were used for luxury items, celebrity speaking fees, and even the construction of a volleyball stadium.
The scheme was allegedly spearheaded by John Davis, the former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). Davis and several other high-profile figures, including nonprofit executives Nancy New and Christi Webb, have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Ted DiBiase Jr.’s own brother, Brett DiBiase, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges earlier in the investigation. This made Ted Jr.’s decision to take his case to trial a high-stakes gamble that ultimately paid off.
The Prosecution's Arguments and Evidence
During the trial, federal prosecutors portrayed Ted DiBiase Jr. as a "greedy con man" who leveraged his family name and connections to John Davis to secure lucrative contracts. They presented evidence showing that DiBiase Jr.’s companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC, were awarded more than $2 million. Prosecutors alleged these funds were used for personal gains, including a down payment on a $1.4 million home in Madison County, a pontoon boat, a tractor, and a luxury truck.
The government argued that the "services" DiBiase Jr. claimed to provide were largely nonexistent or lacked any real value to the needy populations the funds were meant to serve. They pointed to the fact that a mobile app developed by DiBiase Jr. never actually launched and that his training programs reached few, if any, eligible participants. The prosecution's final appeal to the jury emphasized that federal money intended for the "poorest among us" ended up in DiBiase's personal bank accounts.
The Defense Strategy: Legitimate Services and Lack of Intent
The defense team focused on the legality of the contracts and the actual work performed by Ted DiBiase Jr. They called witnesses to testify about his public appearances, motivational speeches, and the months of labor put into the development of the mobile application. A key part of their strategy was highlighting that the contracts signed by DiBiase Jr. did not explicitly state how he was required to spend the money once the services were rendered.
Furthermore, the defense argued that DiBiase Jr. was not an expert in government grant compliance and that he relied on the guidance of MDHS officials and nonprofit leaders who assured him the contracts were legitimate. By shifting the focus to the failure of state oversight and the lack of specific contractual restrictions, the defense was able to create sufficient doubt in the minds of the jurors regarding criminal intent.
Summary of Key Figures and Status
| Key Individual | Legal Status (As of March 2026) |
|---|---|
| Ted DiBiase Jr. | Acquitted of all 13 federal charges |
| John Davis (Former MDHS Director) | Pled guilty; Sentenced to multiple decades in prison |
| Brett DiBiase (Brother) | Pled guilty to conspiracy; Awaiting sentencing |
| Nancy New (Nonprofit Executive) | Pled guilty; Cooperating with authorities |
| Christi Webb (Nonprofit Executive) | Pled guilty; Cooperating with authorities |
| Brett Favre (NFL Quarterback) | Named in civil lawsuit; No criminal charges filed |
High-Profile Names and Civil Litigation
While Ted DiBiase Jr. has escaped criminal conviction, the scandal continues to ensnare other high-profile individuals in civil court. NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre and former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant have both been linked to the investigation, though neither has been criminally charged. Favre is currently a defendant in a massive civil lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, which seeks to recover millions of dollars in misspent TANF funds. The "Million Dollar Man" himself, Ted DiBiase Sr., is also named in the civil litigation. The state is attempting to recover funds paid to his Heart of David Ministry. The acquittal of Ted Jr. in criminal court does not necessarily shield him or his family from these civil proceedings, where the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial. The state's efforts to claw back the $77 million remain a top priority for the Mississippi State Auditor’s office.Public Reaction and the Future of Welfare Oversight
The "not guilty" verdict has sparked a mixed reaction across Mississippi and the professional wrestling community. Supporters of the DiBiase family view the verdict as a just conclusion to a "witch hunt," while critics and advocates for the poor expressed frustration that yet another figure in the scandal has avoided prison time. The fact that seven other individuals pleaded guilty while the only one to face a jury was acquitted has raised questions about the complexity of prosecuting white-collar crime and public corruption. In response to the scandal, Mississippi lawmakers have implemented several new oversight measures for the Department of Human Services. These include stricter auditing of subgrants to nonprofits and more transparent reporting requirements for federal safety-net programs. The goal is to ensure that funds meant for food assistance and low-income support can never again be diverted for private gain or celebrity projects.Ted DiBiase Jr.'s Career and Legacy
Ted DiBiase Jr. rose to fame as a third-generation wrestler, following in the footsteps of his father, Ted DiBiase Sr., and grandfather, "Iron" Mike DiBiase. He is perhaps best known for his time in the "Legacy" stable alongside Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, as well as his two reigns as a WWE World Tag Team Champion. He retired from full-time wrestling in 2013 to pursue business interests and ministerial work. The legal cloud of the welfare scandal has dominated his public profile for the last several years. With the acquittal, DiBiase Jr. may attempt to rebuild his reputation, though the association with the $77 million fraud case is likely to linger. The trial revealed a stark contrast between his "Million Dollar Man" heritage and the reality of facing a potential life sentence in federal prison.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Was Ted DiBiase Jr. found guilty?
No, Ted DiBiase Jr. was found not guilty on all 13 federal counts by a jury on March 20, 2026.
2. What were the specific charges against him?
He was charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and money laundering.
3. Will Ted DiBiase Jr. go to jail?
Following his acquittal on all criminal charges, he will not serve jail time related to this federal indictment.
4. Is he still involved in civil lawsuits?
Yes, he and his family members remain defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by the state of Mississippi to recover misspent welfare funds.
5. Did his brother Brett DiBiase plead guilty?
Yes, his brother Brett DiBiase pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges earlier in the investigation.
Conclusion
The acquittal of Ted DiBiase Jr. brings a dramatic end to the criminal trial portion of his involvement in the Mississippi welfare scandal. While the government presented a narrative of greed and deception, the jury's verdict underscores the difficulty of securing convictions in complex cases involving government contracts and "sham" service allegations. For Ted DiBiase Jr., the verdict represents a total victory and a chance to move forward after years of legal jeopardy. However, for the state of Mississippi, the search for full accountability and the recovery of millions in lost welfare funds continues through ongoing civil litigation and the sentencing of those who did plead guilty. The legacy of this scandal will likely influence Mississippi politics and welfare policy for years to come.Ex-pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. acquitted in Mississippi welfare scandal
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