Former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. is still headed for trial on federal fraud charges, but the courtroom battle won’t begin until early 2026. The Mississippi Southern District Court has confirmed a new date of January 6, 2026, with Judge Carlton W. Reeves setting deadlines for all parties to submit their exhibit lists, witness lists, and jury instructions by December 16, 2025.
Why the Delay?
The defense argued they needed more time after prosecutors waited until just 60 days before the original trial date to hand over a massive batch of discovery materials – 72 training videos totaling nearly 48 hours of content. DiBiase’s legal team called the footage crucial, insisting it demonstrated that he had in fact performed services under contracts the government labeled “sham.”
“These 72 videos are directly exculpatory evidence,” the defense wrote, claiming the footage contradicts the indictment’s allegation that DiBiase never provided social services. Attorneys complained that months of discovery had already been wasted combing through irrelevant files, with “95%” of the documents having nothing to do with the charges. On July 8, the court sided with DiBiase’s request, granting the delay and pushing the trial back to 2026.
The Charges
DiBiase was arrested in April 2023 and indicted on:
• 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud/theft concerning federal programs
• 6 counts of wire fraud
• 2 counts of theft concerning federal programs
• 4 counts of money laundering
If convicted, he faces staggering penalties: up to 45 years in prison and fines totaling as much as $1 million.
Alleged Scheme
According to prosecutors, DiBiase conspired with John Davis, Christi Webb, Nancy New, and others to siphon money from two federal welfare programs – TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program).
The indictment alleges that DiBiase used two companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC, to funnel money from at least five contracts between 2016 and 2019. Authorities claim the contracts were fraudulent and that DiBiase pocketed the funds instead of delivering services.
Examples listed in court filings include:
• A $500,000 contract for “leadership outreach services” in May 2018, paid in two installments.
• A separate $500,000 deal with another nonprofit weeks later.
• Nearly $500,000 to assess food assistance needs.
• A $1 million “RISE Program” contract signed just one day after forming Familiae Orientem LLC.
• A $250,000 agreement later that year for unspecified “delivery of services.”
Investigators allege DiBiase used the money on a house down payment, a boat, and a vehicle. The government has already moved to seize his former property in Madison, Mississippi, which he and his wife agreed to forfeit in March 2023.
Courtroom Struggles
DiBiase has pleaded not guilty and remains free on a $10,000 unsecured bond under strict conditions. His legal path has been rocky: the case was delayed once when the original judge recused himself, and prosecutors also revealed that DiBiase tested positive for Adderall and marijuana the morning of his arrest. His attorney said he had ADHD and was taking his brother’s Adderall prescription, while also claiming the marijuana result came from hemp oil and CBD gummies.
When asked for comment outside court, DiBiase’s only words were: “Jesus loves you, brother. God bless you, man.”
