Former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. is officially set to stand trial in August 2025 on multiple federal charges stemming from his alleged role in the Mississippi welfare fraud scandal—a sprawling investigation described as the largest public corruption case in the state’s history.
According to court documents, DiBiase Jr. will face trial beginning August 26, with jury selection scheduled for August 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The timeline includes key deadlines: the prosecution must submit expert witnesses by June 20, the defense by June 27, and all pre-trial motions are due by July 10. The case remains in pre-trial proceedings following delays due to the extensive discovery involved.
DiBiase Jr. was indicted in April 2023 on 13 federal counts, including:
– One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds
– Six counts of wire fraud
– Two counts of theft concerning federal programs
– Four counts of money laundering
If convicted on all charges, DiBiase Jr. faces decades in prison, with maximum penalties ranging from five to twenty years per count—some of which may be served consecutively.
The charges are linked to a massive scheme in which millions of dollars in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds were misappropriated via non-profit organizations, most notably the Mississippi Community Education Center operated by Nancy New, who has already pleaded guilty to state and federal charges. Prosecutors allege that the funds were distributed for services never performed or for ineligible purposes, including luxury rehab and leadership programs.
While Ted DiBiase Sr., WWE Hall of Famer and father of Ted Jr., has not been criminally charged, his Heart of David Ministries was named in a civil lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The state alleges the ministry received over $2 million in TANF funds, including a demand to repay $722,299 for unapproved spending. DiBiase Sr. has denied wrongdoing and continues to fight the allegations in civil court.
The scandal has also ensnared Brett DiBiase, Ted Jr.’s brother, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to his role in the misuse of welfare funds. Additionally, former Mississippi DHS Director John Davis was sentenced to 90 years in state prison (58 years suspended) after entering guilty pleas to state and federal charges.
Despite the serious charges, Ted DiBiase Jr. has maintained his innocence. The upcoming trial marks a pivotal moment in the federal investigation, with the outcome likely to set the tone for any remaining legal fallout in the case.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for continued updates on this developing story and all the latest news from the wrestling world.
