Story perspectives

Ted DiBiase Jr. Acquitted in Mississippi Corruption Scandal

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ted "Teddy" DiBiase Jr. was acquitted of all charges in Mississippi's largest corruption scandal.
A jury found him not guilty on 13 counts, including conspiracy and wire fraud.
Scandal began in 2020 and involved former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis and others, with over $77 million in TANF funds misspent.
Mississippi Department of Human Services filed a civil lawsuit to recover $20 million from DiBiase and others.

History

Historical Context

The Mississippi welfare funds scandal, which surfaced in 2020, involved the misappropriation of over $77 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, implicating officials like John Davis and former Governor Phil Bryant. This scandal highlights ongoing accountability issues in Mississippi's welfare programs, exacerbated by a history of inadequate oversight and governance, raising concerns about the future of public assistance in the state.

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Story summary

Ted "Teddy" DiBiase Jr. was acquitted of all charges in Mississippi's largest corruption scandal.
A jury found him not guilty on 13 counts, including conspiracy and wire fraud.
Scandal began in 2020 and involved former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis and others, with over $77 million in TANF funds misspent.
Mississippi Department of Human Services filed a civil lawsuit to recover $20 million from DiBiase and others.

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