Former professional wrestler charged in theft of millions in Mississippi TANF funds
Federal indictment unsealed that charges Ted DiBiase Jr.
A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a former professional wrestler from Mississippi with misappropriating millions of dollars that were intended for needy families.Ted DiBiase Jr., 40, of Madison, was in custody when he appeared in federal court Thursday, with shackles on his ankles and chains at his waist, along with handcuffs. The former wrestler is accused of fraudulently obtaining federal funds from The Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice. DiBiase, along with former Mississippi Department of Human Services Executive Director John Davis and Christi Webb, Nancy New and others, are accused of misappropriating the money for “their own personal use and benefit,” the DOJ said in the release.Federal prosecutors said Davis is accused of directing Webb and New, who was the president of New Summit School, “to award sham contracts to various individuals and entities purportedly for the delivery of social services, including at least five sham contracts that were awarded to DiBiase’s companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC.” According to the indictment, millions in federal funds from MDHS were given to DiBiase and his companies for social services that DiBiase did not provide.”DiBiase allegedly used these federal funds to buy a vehicle and a boat, and for the down payment on the purchase of a house, among other expenditures,” prosecutors said in the release.DiBiase is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering. He pleaded not guilty during Thursday’s hearing. “Prosecutors decide whom to charge with a crime, and we’re grateful to see them continuing to advance this case,” State Auditor Shad White said in a statement. “We will continue to support their efforts with the evidence that our investigators and federal investigators have uncovered.”Prosecutors said DiBiase tested positive Thursday morning for marijuana and Adderall. His attorney said DiBiase used hemp oil and consumed a CBD gummy, which is the reason for the positive marijuana test. The attorney said DiBiase has been diagnosed with ADHD, but his prescription expired two years ago, so he had been using his brother’s prescription.DiBiase, who was released on bail, said “Jesus loves you, brother. God bless you, man,” as he left the courthouse.The trial is set for June 19. If convicted, DiBiase faces 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.
A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a former professional wrestler from Mississippi with misappropriating millions of dollars that were intended for needy families.
Ted DiBiase Jr., 40, of Madison, was in custody when he appeared in federal court Thursday, with shackles on his ankles and chains at his waist, along with handcuffs.
The former wrestler is accused of fraudulently obtaining federal funds from The Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice. DiBiase, along with former Mississippi Department of Human Services Executive Director John Davis and Christi Webb, Nancy New and others, are accused of misappropriating the money for “their own personal use and benefit,” the DOJ said in the release.
Federal prosecutors said Davis is accused of directing Webb and New, who was the president of New Summit School, “to award sham contracts to various individuals and entities purportedly for the delivery of social services, including at least five sham contracts that were awarded to DiBiase’s companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC.” According to the indictment, millions in federal funds from MDHS were given to DiBiase and his companies for social services that DiBiase did not provide.
“DiBiase allegedly used these federal funds to buy a vehicle and a boat, and for the down payment on the purchase of a house, among other expenditures,” prosecutors said in the release.
DiBiase is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering. He pleaded not guilty during Thursday’s hearing.
“Prosecutors decide whom to charge with a crime, and we’re grateful to see them continuing to advance this case,” State Auditor Shad White said in a statement. “We will continue to support their efforts with the evidence that our investigators and federal investigators have uncovered.”
Prosecutors said DiBiase tested positive Thursday morning for marijuana and Adderall. His attorney said DiBiase used hemp oil and consumed a CBD gummy, which is the reason for the positive marijuana test. The attorney said DiBiase has been diagnosed with ADHD, but his prescription expired two years ago, so he had been using his brother’s prescription.
DiBiase, who was released on bail, said “Jesus loves you, brother. God bless you, man,” as he left the courthouse.
The trial is set for June 19. If convicted, DiBiase faces 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.
Source: News