Summary (tl;dr)

Former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr. has been acquitted of all 13 federal charges related to his alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar welfare fraud scheme in Mississippi. The jury delivered a not guilty verdict on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a two-month trial.

Essential Background

The Mississippi welfare fraud scandal, considered the largest public corruption case in the state's history, involved the alleged misappropriation of over $77 million in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds, intended for the state's poorest residents. The scandal came to light in 2020 with the indictment of John Davis, the former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), and several others, including Ted DiBiase Jr.'s brother, Brett DiBiase, who have since pleaded guilty. Prosecutors alleged that DiBiase Jr. received over $2 million in government funds through his companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC, based on "sham contracts" for services like "leadership training" and "emergency food assistance assessments" that were allegedly never delivered. These funds were purportedly used for personal purchases, including a home, a boat, and a vehicle.

The Full Story

Ted DiBiase Jr.'s federal trial, which began on January 6, 2026, and was briefly delayed due to his defense attorney's illness, concluded with a jury finding him not guilty on all 13 federal counts. The charges included 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 programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering. DiBiase Jr. was the only individual charged in the extensive scandal to proceed to a criminal trial, having maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. His defense successfully argued that former MDHS Director John Davis was the central figure responsible for misdirecting the funds.

Why It Matters

This acquittal marks a significant development in the ongoing Mississippi welfare fraud scandal, as DiBiase Jr. was the only person to face a criminal trial among numerous individuals implicated. The verdict raises questions about accountability in large-scale public corruption cases, particularly where millions of dollars intended for vulnerable populations were allegedly misused. While DiBiase Jr. has been cleared of criminal charges, the broader scandal has also ensnared other high-profile individuals, including former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre, who have denied wrongdoing and face civil lawsuits from the state to recover misspent funds. The public remains keenly interested in the pursuit of justice and the recovery of taxpayer money in this egregious misuse of federal welfare programs.

Geographic Location

• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, United States (location of the federal trial and acquittal)
• Madison County, Mississippi, United States (location of a home allegedly purchased with misappropriated funds)
• Mississippi, United States (location of the broader welfare fraud scandal)