Welfare Fraud Trial Continues as Key Witness Links Ted DiBiase Jr. to Scheme

The criminal trial for former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. continued this week in Jackson, Mississippi, with damning testimony from a central figure in the state’s ongoing welfare fraud scandal.

DiBiase Jr., a third-generation wrestling star and son of “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, is accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain $3.5 million in federal funds earmarked for families in need. On Tuesday, former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis took the stand and directly implicated DiBiase Jr. in the scheme.

According to WLBT Channel 3, Davis—who has already pleaded guilty to federal and state charges in the case—testified that DiBiase knew the funds he was receiving were intended for needy families. Davis also admitted to steering contracts to DiBiase and his brother Brett, showing text messages where he promised to send the brothers around the country for leadership training courses allegedly funded by TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) programs. But prosecutors say those services were never actually rendered, despite the brothers being paid.

DiBiase’s legal team insists their client is innocent. They argue that Davis was the mastermind, and they plan to present hours of video as evidence that DiBiase did in fact provide services.

Meanwhile, the federal government alleges that DiBiase used taxpayer money to fund a lavish lifestyle—including buying a vehicle, a boat, and making a down payment on a house, which has since been surrendered to authorities.

DiBiase Jr. was arrested in April 2023 and charged with:

• One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft involving federal funds
• Six counts of wire fraud
• Two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds
• Four counts of money laundering

If convicted on all charges, DiBiase Jr. faces a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison and fines totaling up to $1 million. The trial is expected to continue this week with DiBiase’s defense preparing to counter the prosecution’s claims.

Do you think the video evidence will change the course of this case? Or is the damage already done? Share your thoughts in the comments.