Defense For Ted DiBiase Jr. Seeking Mistrial
An update on the welfare fraud case that DiBiase Jr. is wrapped up in.
Local Mississippi outlet WJTV has a story up about the latest on the federal trial for former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr.
On January 20th, the defense asked for a mistrial because DiBiase Jr.’s attorney, Scott Gilbert, is going to be unavailable for three to four weeks due to a health issue.
The judge asked when the defense would like the trial to resume, and the defense said no less than three months. They feel there is no attorney other than Gilbert who is capable of learning the complexity of the case in a timely manner.
In addition to that, John Davis, former Mississippi Department of Human Services executive director, is undergoing cancer treatment, and it is unknown if he’ll be able to continue testifying.
Prosecutors pointed out that DiBiase Jr. still has two attorneys on his team, and the case should be able to proceed. The prosecutors are concerned about the availability of witnesses if the judge grants the defense’s request.
DiBiase Jr., along with several co-conspirators, is alleged to have fraudulently obtained federal funds, which include money from the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
DiBiase Jr. allegedly used the funds to buy a vehicle, a boat, and put a down payment on a house.
DiBiase Jr. has been 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.
If he is convicted, he’ll be facing 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.
Brett DiBiase, the brother of Ted DiBiase Jr., has pleaded guilty to state and federal charges related to the case.
