Prosecutors claim that Ted DiBiase Jr. spent welfare money on a $1.4M home and other luxury purchases

Former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr., son of “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, was charged with theft of millions of dollars in federal funds intended for needy families in April of 2023. Accusations against DiBiase included one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft from federally funded programs, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft from federally funded programs, and four counts of money laundering. The government previously noted the case’s extensive discovery, stating that additional time is needed for both sides to prepare for trial or negotiate a plea, prioritizing justice over a speedy trial.

In an update on the case, a judge has denied a motion to dismiss charges against DiBiase. Prosecutors allege he received nearly $3 million from Mississippi nonprofits between 2017 and 2019 for contracts he never fulfilled, then used the money on luxury purchases. They also claim he created shell companies to hide the fraud and never provided documentation showing how the funds were used.

According to prosecutors, DiBiase used funds to purchase a $1.4 million home, a $55,000 pontoon boat, a $34,000 Kubota tractor, and a $40,000 truck.

Witnesses testified that nonprofit leaders were directed by former state official John Davis to funnel money to DiBiase, despite knowing he wasn’t performing the work. DiBiase’s defense argues there isn’t enough evidence to prove the funds were misused and claims he legitimately earned the contracts, including work on an app that was never completed. If convicted, he faces significant prison time across multiple charges.