Nationwide — Former pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr., who was accused of taking millions in welfare funds, was cleared of all 13 charges after a seven-year legal battle. The jury reached a not guilty verdict in just four hours.
DiBiase faced charges including wire fraud, theft, money laundering, and conspiracy. Prosecutors claimed he pocketed $2.9 million meant to help needy families in what became the state’s largest public welfare scandal. Throughout the trial, DiBiase insisted he earned the money legally and never took a cent unlawfully.
When the verdict was read, the courtroom erupted. DiBiase broke down in tears, thanking God and his attorneys for their efforts. “Seven years of being slandered and made to be something that is completely false has about torn my family apart but we’re strong,” he told WLBT.
Outside the courthouse, DiBiase embraced his brother Brett, also a former wrestler. “It still hasn’t sank in. It’s been so long that this cloud has lived over me. I’m just thankful for it to be over, and I’m grateful I get to go home,” he said.
During deliberations, the jury asked the judge whether “fraud” meant DiBiase had to personally commit it or if it included actions by others. Defense attorney Scott Gilbert said the note gave him hope the jury understood the full story.
“These jurors heard the whole story. Not part of the story, not a slanted story, not an abridge version. They got the entire story, and then they followed the law and made the right decision in this case,” he said.
Now free from bond conditions, DiBiase plans to return to a quiet life with family. “I’m going to live again. I’m going to continue to serve people because that really is who I am. I do care about every Mississippian, and to all the doubters or haters or people that have maybe had false information and not all the information, I forgive you, and I love you too,” he said.