Former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. bought a house, boat, tractor and truck – worth a combined $1.5million – with stolen welfare funds, prosecutors claim.
The son of Ted DiBiase Sr. – a WWE Hall of Famer known as The Million Dollar Man – is facing decades behind bars for his alleged role in what prosecutors say is the largest public corruption scheme in Mississippi history.
The scandal has also engulfed several other big names over recent years including DiBiase Sr. and NFL legend Brett Favre, with the authorities arguing that more than $77 million – meant for poor Mississippians – was misappropriated.
As reported by AL.com, DiBiase’s brother Brett, a fellow ex-wrestler, has already pleaded guilty to state and federal charges stemming from the case.
Ted DiBiase Jr is accused of taking funds earmarked for social services via ‘sham contracts.’ He used the money to buy a $1.4m home, a $55,000 boat, a $34,000 tractor and a $40,000 truck.
The 43-year-old, who competed in the WWE between 2007 and 2013, is facing charges including money laundering, theft, wire fraud and conspiracy. DiBiase has pleaded not guilty, Mississippi Today reports.
Former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr is facing charges including money laundering and theft
The scandal has also engulfed his father, Ted DiBiase Sr. (R) and NFL legend Brett Favre (L)
If convicted, AL.com reports, DiBiase faces up to 20 years behind bars on each count of wire fraud, 10 years on each count of theft and money laundering, and five years for conspiracy.
It is alleged that DiBiase’s companies secured federal funds from the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. These funds were then allegedly ‘misappropriated for their own use and benefit.’
This week, a federal judge denied a request to dismiss the charges, despite lawyers for DiBiase Jr. reportedly arguing that the authorities had not presented enough evidence to convict him.
DiBiase Sr. and Favre, meanwhile, were among 38 people sued by the State of Mississippi in a bid to recover some of the lost funds. Favre has denied any wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges.
DiBiase Sr. also denies wrongdoing and, according to reports, last year filed a defamation lawsuit against Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.
