Ex-WWE star found not guilty after allegedly using $1.4M in stolen funds on tractor, other luxury items

A federal case involving a former WWE performer has reached a critical stage, with prosecutors alleging Ted DiBiase Jr. used misappropriated welfare funds to finance a lavish lifestyle that included a $1.4 million home, a boat, and multiple vehicles. Despite this, he was found not guilty.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jackson, DiBiase Jr., 43, was accused of diverting federal aid intended for low-income families through programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families initiative. Prosecutors claim the funds were funneled through nonprofit organizations and ultimately routed to companies tied to DiBiase, where they were allegedly used for personal expenses rather than public services.

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Authorities alleged that at least five contracts were awarded to DiBiase’s businesses—Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC—between 2017 and 2018 under the premise of delivering social services. Those services, prosecutors say, were never carried out. Instead, the money was allegedly spent on high-value purchases, including a $55,000 pontoon boat, a $34,000 Kubota tractor, and a $40,000 truck.

The case has been described as the largest public corruption investigation in Mississippi history, involving more than $77 million in welfare funds. Former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis, who has already pleaded guilty, is accused of orchestrating the flow of money by directing it to nonprofit groups that then issued contracts to DiBiase and others. Christi Webb and Nancy New, who operated those nonprofits, have also been identified as co-conspirators.

Court proceedings included testimony and text message exchanges that prosecutors argue demonstrate the closeness between Davis and the DiBiase brothers. In one 2018 message shown in court, Davis told Ted DiBiase Jr., “I will freaking die for you,” to which DiBiase responded, “It would be my honor to die for you bro.” Additional messages involving DiBiase’s brother, Brett—who has also pleaded guilty in the case—were presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence.

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The developments come amid broader fallout tied to the scandal, which has also drawn attention to WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. While he has not been criminally charged, he is currently pursuing a defamation lawsuit against Mississippi State Auditor Shad White over statements made in a book about the case.