Former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr faces 185 years in prison in massive welfare fraud scandal

A judge has already dismissed his Ted DiBiase Jr's lawyers' motion to dismiss his most serious charges.

Published on: Mar 20, 2026, 22:42:56 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr is facing the possibility of 185 years in prison, after being accused of misappropriating millions of dollars of federal funds, originally for the most vulnerable residents in the state. Nicknamed 'The Fortunate Son', his father is wrestling hall-of-fame Ted DiBiase Sr.

The charges against Ted DiBiase Jr include money laundering, theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy. (X)

According to reports, DiBiase Jr. 's companies received federal welfare funds from the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It was facilitated by ex-Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis. Davis has pleaded guilty to his charges and has been sentenced to 32 years in prison.

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According to the prosecutors, DiBiase Jr. used those funds to make a down payment on a $ 1.4 million home, among other expenses.

The charges against him include money laundering, theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy. In total, the scandal is reported to have involved 77 million dollars in misappropriated funds, with DiBiase Jr getting 3 million.

A judge has already dismissed his lawyers' motion to dismiss his most serious charges. DiBiase's criminal trial began on January 7, 2026.

He is part of the DiBiase wrestling family and was trained by Chris Youngblood and Harley Race's Wrestling Academy. He signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2007. He won the FCW Southern Heavyweight Championship in 2007. He made his WWE television debut in 2008 and formed a tag team with Cody Rhodes. They won the World Tag Team Championship twice before forming The Legacy faction with Randy Orton.

After The Legacy's dissolution, he entered the singles competitions and received the Million Dollar Championship from his father. He left WWE in 2013 to focus on family and business interests. He officially retired from wrestling in 2020.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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