Ted DiBiase Jr. Acquitted in Mississippi Welfare Fraud Case
Former WWE Tag Team Champion Ted DiBiase Jr., son of WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase, was found not guilty on Friday, March 20, 2026, on 13 counts related to embezzlement, conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. The verdict concludes a lengthy legal battle stemming from a Mississippi welfare fraud investigation concerning the alleged misuse of state funds.
Facing Significant Prison Time
Prior to the ruling, DiBiase Jr. Faced the possibility of more than 160 years in federal prison according to the Associated Press.
DiBiase Jr.’s Response
Following the verdict, DiBiase Jr. Shared a statement on social media, posting a video accompanied by a quote from Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” He also thanked his legal team – Scott Gilbert, Sidney Lampton Morris, and Eric Herschman – for their belief in his innocence and their fight for justice. (X post)
Gratitude and Reflection
Addressing the media after the court decision, DiBiase Jr. Expressed his gratitude and reflected on the outcome. “They got it right. And I give all the glory to God. I give all the credit to my lord and savior, to [my legal team]. I reckon they did an amazing job of portraying the truth,” he said. “Seven years of being slandered and made to be something that is completely false has about torn my family apart, but we’re strong. And I’ve had so many friends and so much family that have come around us. And I’m proud that we’ve walked through this. And I’m so thankful that it’s over.”
Background of the Scandal
The Mississippi welfare scandal initially came to light in 2020 when John Davis, the former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, was indicted on fraud and embezzlement charges, along with others, including DiBiase Jr.’s brother, Brett DiBiase as reported by the Associated Press. Federal indictments alleged that Davis directed federal funds to two nonprofits, which then awarded “sham contracts” to various individuals and organizations, including companies owned by DiBiase Jr., for social services that were never provided.
DiBiase Jr. The Sole Defendant to Face Trial
DiBiase Jr. Was the only defendant in the scandal to stand trial. His companies were awarded over $2 million in contracts for services such as leadership outreach, emergency food assistance assessment, and a program for inner-city youth according to the Associated Press. Other high-profile individuals initially named in the scandal included Ted DiBiase Sr. And former NFL quarterback Brett Favre as reported by Wrestling Inc..