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Ted DiBiase Jr. Acquitted in $3M Welfare Fraud Case

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ted DiBiase Jr., a former WWE wrestler, was found not guilty on all 13 charges in the Mississippi welfare fraud case.
Prosecutors accused him of misappropriating nearly $3 million in federal funds for needy families and using it to buy a $1.4 million home, a boat, and other luxury items, while several co-defendants have pleaded guilty.
The jury deliberated about four hours.
The state aims to recover misappropriated funds.

History

Historical Context

The Mississippi welfare funds scandal, which emerged in 2020, involved the misappropriation of $94 million intended for low-income families, implicating high-profile figures like Brett Favre and Ted DiBiase Jr. Investigations revealed that funds were funneled through nonprofits without proper oversight. The scandal highlights ongoing issues of accountability in welfare programs, prompting legal actions and efforts to recover misused funds.

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Story summary

Ted DiBiase Jr., a former WWE wrestler, was found not guilty on all 13 charges in the Mississippi welfare fraud case.
Prosecutors accused him of misappropriating nearly $3 million in federal funds for needy families and using it to buy a $1.4 million home, a boat, and other luxury items, while several co-defendants have pleaded guilty.
The jury deliberated about four hours.
The state aims to recover misappropriated funds.

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