Ted DiBiase Jr., a former professional wrestler and son of WWE legend « The Million Dollar Man, » has been charged with fraud and theft of federal funds in connection with a Mississippi welfare scandal. The case involves a nonprofit corporation that was allocating millions of federal dollars meant for poor women and children, which DiBiase and others allegedly used for personal gain. DiBiase is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and money laundering. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count.
The indictment against DiBiase marks a significant development in a federal investigation that has already ensnared the state’s former welfare director and the women who ran the nonprofit group, among others. NFL great Brett Favre was also implicated in the scandal, as he received money from the same nonprofit corporation. Favre has denied wrongdoing and repaid $1.1 million that was paid to him from welfare funds in 2017 and 2018. He is being sued by the state of Mississippi in connection with those grants, but he contends he is not liable.
DiBiase’s lawyer, Scott Gilbert, has stated that his client will fight back publicly and that the government’s allegations cannot be substantiated. Last month, DiBiase’s brother, Brett DiBiase, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government in connection with the welfare scandal.
The case highlights the importance of proper allocation and use of federal funds meant for social services. It also serves as a cautionary tale for individuals who may be tempted to use such funds for personal gain. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges may be filed in the future.
Keywords: Ted DiBiase Jr., fraud, theft, federal funds, Mississippi welfare scandal, nonprofit corporation, wire fraud, money laundering, Brett Favre, social services.
