Ted DiBiase Jr. just got a major delay in his federal criminal case, and the move could drastically shift how everything plays out.
The former WWE star is facing a mountain of charges tied to the Mississippi welfare fraud scandal, including one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft, six counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft concerning federal programs, and four counts of money laundering. If convicted on all charges, DiBiase could be staring down up to 45 years in prison and $1 million in fines.
Originally set for trial this summer, DiBiases legal team filed a motion on July 2 to delay proceedings, citing newly produced evidence. According to his lawyers, the U.S. government turned over 72 videos of MDHS Law of 16 trainings just two months before trial over 47 hours of footage they claim shows Mr. DiBiase performed a substantial amount of work under the alleged sham contracts. The defense argued this footage is directly exculpatory evidence and said they needed time to properly review it. The court agreed, and on July 8, the trial was officially pushed to January 6, 2026.
The original indictment claims DiBiase was at the center of a scheme to defraud the Mississippi Department of Human Services by securing at least five sham contracts through his companies Priceless Ventures LLC and Familiae Orientem LLC. Those contracts were allegedly used to siphon off money from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), totaling millions. The funds were then spent on a house, a boat, and a vehicle, among other personal expenses, without delivering the promised services.
His legal team insists that isnt the whole story. The motion says most of the previously submitted discovery was irrelevant and that the new videos directly counter the charges. The indictment states that DiBiase did not provide and did not intend to provide social services. This is belied by copious video footage that the United States just produced, the defense wrote.
One of the most damning pieces in the indictment involves a $1 million contract for a program called RISE supposedly to help inner-city youth which prosecutors say never happened. There are also claims of large wire transfers and property purchases tied to the alleged fraud, including a home in Madison, MS that DiBiase and his wife agreed to forfeit in 2023.
Adding to the drama, DiBiase tested positive for Adderall and marijuana the day of his arrest. His lawyer told the court the marijuana result came from a CBD gummy, and admitted that DiBiase used his brothers Adderall prescription to treat his ADHD without having his own prescription.
Outside court, when asked for comment by WAPT-TV, DiBiase simply said, Jesus loves you, brother. God bless you, man. His attorney tried to stop him from speaking, but it was too late.
DiBiase remains free on an unsecured $10,000 bond. He has pled not guilty to all charges and must notify the court of any address changes and remain law-abiding while out.
This saga has already seen one judge step down, multiple delays, and now a massive new batch of footage that could either clear DiBiases name or simply push the inevitable down the road.
Do you think Ted Di Biase Jr. has a real shot at proving his innocence? Or is this just another stalling tactic? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
