Former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase Jr. (son of WWF Legend “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase) is still scheduled to stand trial on August 26, 2025, in the Mississippi Southern District Court. Jury selection will begin on August 19. A court hearing was held earlier this week to go over updates in the criminal case.
The government and defense must submit expert witness lists by June 20 and June 27, respectively. All legal motions are due by July 10.
DiBiase Jr. was arrested in April 2023 on multiple charges: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft involving federal funds, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and four counts of money laundering.
If convicted, DiBiase could face up to 45 years in prison and fines totaling $1 million. According to court filings, he is facing:
– Up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy,
– Up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 for each wire fraud charge,
– Up to 5 years and $250,000 for each theft charge,
– Up to 10 years and $250,000 for each money laundering charge.
The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2019, DiBiase and others—John Davis, Christi Webb, and Nancy New—misused federal welfare funds from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The funds were meant to help low-income families but were allegedly redirected for personal gain through sham contracts.
The government claims DiBiase used two companies, Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC, to receive large payments through at least five fraudulent contracts. These contracts were supposedly for leadership outreach, emergency food assessments, and inner-city youth programs, but prosecutors say the work was never done.
One contract from May 15, 2018, paid DiBiase $500,000 through Priceless Ventures. Another $500,000 came through a second contract with the Mississippi Community Education Center. On May 22, he was awarded another $497,987. One day after forming Familiae Orientem LLC, he signed a $1 million deal to start a youth program. In October 2018, another $250,000 was paid under a fifth contract.
Prosecutors allege DiBiase used the money for a home down payment, a boat, a vehicle, and other personal expenses. He also transferred $401,304.37 from Familiae LLC to K&T Management, another one of his companies.
The government is seeking to seize property tied to the alleged crimes, including a house in Madison, Mississippi. DiBiase and his wife Kristen agreed in March 2023 to forfeit the home so it could be sold by U.S. Marshals. Court records show the case involving that property is still open.
DiBiase has pleaded not guilty and is out on a $10,000 unsecured bond. He must inform the court before changing his address or phone number, submit a DNA sample if asked, and follow all laws while awaiting trial.
When approached by WAPT-TV after a court appearance, DiBiase simply said, “Jesus loves you, brother. God bless you, man. That’s it.” His attorney tried to stop him from speaking but failed.
During the hearing, prosecutors said DiBiase tested positive for Adderall and marijuana the morning of his arrest. His lawyer claimed the marijuana result came from CBD products and the Adderall from his brother’s prescription. He admitted DiBiase has ADHD but does not currently have his own prescription.
This trial has already been delayed more than once. It was originally set for July 2024, then moved to January 2025, and finally rescheduled again after the previous judge recused himself.
