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Former pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. acquitted in Mississippi welfare scandal
Ted DiBiase Jr. was acquitted on all 13 counts involving nearly $3 million in federal welfare funds amid Mississippi's largest public corruption scandal, with others pleading guilty.
- A federal jury in Jackson found Ted DiBiase Jr. not guilty on all 13 counts after about four hours of deliberation.
- The indictment charged Ted DiBiase Jr. with a 13-count scheme including conspiracy, six wire fraud, two embezzlement, and four money laundering counts; prosecutors alleged his companies diverted $2.9 million from TANF and TEFAP funds.
- During Thursday's closing arguments, Scott Gilbert said DiBiase performed work and was offered contracts, while prosecutors alleged he used federal funds for luxury purchases like a $1.4 million home.
- Only eight criminally charged defendants faced prosecution, with six cooperating defendants awaiting federal sentencing years ago, while the Mississippi Department of Human Services pursues civil suits recovering more than $20 million.
- Mississippi's scandal is the state's largest-ever welfare fraud case, with state and nonprofit officials misusing $100 million between 2016 and 2019 and former Gov. Phil Bryant and Brett Favre denying wrongdoing.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Ex-WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr. found not guilty in Mississippi welfare fraud scandal: ‘Going to live again’
Ted DiBiase Jr. broke down in tears of relief after a jury cleared his name from the Mississippi's largest-ever public corruption scheme, declaring he was going to "live again."
‘I’m going to live again’: Ted DiBiase Jr. found not guilty on all 13 counts
‘I’m going to live again’: Ted DiBiase Jr. found not guilty on all 13 counts JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – After 20 days in the courtroom and seven years of waiting, Ted DiBiase Jr. heard the words he’d been hoping for: “Not guilty.” The former pro-wrestler was cleared on all 13 charges brought against him. DiBiase was accused of pocketing millions of dollars meant to help needy families. DiBiase immediately broke down and started crying after the jur…
Associated Press News
Former pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. acquitted in Mississippi welfare scandal
A former professional wrestler accused of misspending millions of welfare dollars in part of Mississippi’s largest public corruption scandal has been found not guilty by a jury.
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