The federal trial of former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. is officially underway in Jackson, Mississippi, marking a pivotal moment in what prosecutors have called the largest public embezzlement case in the state’s history.
Opening statements began earlier this week, painting two drastically different portraits of the 42-year-old former wrestler. Prosecutors described him as a “greedy con man” who siphoned millions of dollars from federal welfare funds to finance a lavish lifestyle. Conversely, DiBiase’s defense team argued he is an innocent businessman who was manipulated by corrupt state officials and “did nothing wrong.”
DiBiase Jr. stands charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces decades in federal prison.
The “Sham Contracts” and Lavish Spending
At the heart of the government’s case is the allegation that DiBiase Jr. received approximately $3 million in federal funds intended for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)…