Ted DiBiase Jr. Found Not Guilty Of All Criminal Counts In Mississippi Welfare Fraud Case
DiBiase Jr. found not guilty.
The Mississippi Clarion Ledger is reporting that a federal jury found former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. not guilty of all criminal counts in his indictment for his involvement in the Mississippi welfare fraud scandal.
Jurors deliberated on March 20th for four hours after hearing from at least two dozen witnesses.
The 43-year-old DiBiase Jr. was facing 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.
He was found not guilty on all 13 criminal counts and thus released from the conditions of his bond. DiBiase Jr. never pleaded guilty and did not testify in the federal case.
Prosecutors said DiBiase Jr. misappropriated millions of dollars in federal funds intended for needy families and low-income individuals in the state of Mississippi.
It was argued that DiBiase Jr. received money that was tied to welfare programs through ‘sham contracts’ for services that were never provided. The scheme allegedly involved the misuse of more than $77 milion in federal aid that was supposed to be for the state. The funds came from the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
It was also alleged that DiBiase Jr. used the money to buy a truck, a boat, a trip to Disney, and a $1.5 million lakeside home in Madison, Mississippi, which has been seized by the government.
The defense stated that DiBiase Jr. is a kind and professional businessman who is motivated by helping people. They argued that no one who testified during the trial could say DiBiase Jr. wasn’t performing in his role.
DiBiase Jr. was one of several people charged with crimes in this case, but is the only one who contested his charges. DiBiase Jr.’s brother, Brett DiBiase, has already pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the case.
