Attorneys for Ted DiBiase Jr., a former WWE wrestler turned influencer, wrapped up their defense Tuesday in a federal welfare fraud trial. The defense called four witnesses before resting Wednesday afternoon, after a trial that lasted 18 days.
DiBiase did not testify. The judge is scheduled to give jury instructions Thursday, followed by closing arguments from both sides. Jurors will then begin deliberations.
DiBiase faces federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, theft, and money laundering. The trial centers on allegations that he accepted $3 million in federal funds intended to combat poverty between 2017 and 2019. The money was linked to a close friendship with John Davis, then director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
The defense argued that DiBiase never solicited the funds and that Davis offered them freely. They maintained that DiBiase carried out some work under agreements with nonprofits, though they acknowledged that the nonprofits’ directors were unresponsive and that interference from Davis hampered efforts.
Witnesses called by the defense included Nicholas Coughlin and Jesse Pierce, who said they signed on to help nonprofits with their skills but encountered difficulty reaching nonprofit leaders. The defense also presented businessmen Kevin McClendon and Matthew Theriot, who worked with DiBiase on app ideas and LLC formations, respectively.
The prosecution, which questioned nearly 20 witnesses, included testimony from John Davis, former DHS employees, nonprofit directors Nancy New and Christi Webb, and federal officials. The government portrayed DiBiase as a celebrity promoter who used his social media following to gain access to welfare projects.
During cross-examination, the defense highlighted a text message in which DiBiase admitted to feigning ignorance about forming LLCs and making presentations, which the prosecution then read aloud to the jury. The judge allowed the message into evidence, a move the defense called a violation of DiBiase’s rights.
The trial began in January and experienced delays but continued with a limited witness list, excluding some key figures like State Auditor Shad White and former Gov. Phil Bryant. The jury is expected to begin deliberations on Thursday after closing arguments conclude.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
