Ex-wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. Cleared on All Counts in Mississippi Welfare Case
Former WWE star Ted “Teddy” DiBiase Jr. was found not guilty on all counts (conspiracy, wire fraud, theft and money laundering) in the Mississippi welfare scandal, after jurors deliberated about four hours. Prosecutors had alleged he helped divert nearly $3 million in federal funds intended to aid poor residents to luxury purchases, as part of the Families First for Mississippi initiative; his defense said he never solicited funds and was a beneficiary of a broader scheme. He was one of eight charged, with seven co-defendants having pleaded guilty, and a parallel civil suit to recover funds continues.