Summary

A Mississippi judge denied a motion to dismiss the welfare scandal charges against Ted DiBiase Jr. on March 17, keeping the case active after prosecutors had already rested.

DiBiase Jr. is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft concerning programs with federal funds, wire fraud, money laundering, and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

The defense rested its case on March 18. According to WJTV, DiBiase Jr. could face a maximum sentence of 185 years in prison if convicted.

He and multiple co-conspirators are accused of illegally obtaining federal funds from government programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance For Needly Families. He allegedly used that money to purchase a house, a boat, and a vehicle.

Ted DiBiase Jr. ruling keeps focus on legal fallout, not in-ring plans

Ted DiBiase Jr. remaining in trial keeps the immediate spotlight on the criminal case timeline, and not any wrestling-related return narrative, because the dismissal attempt failed and both sides have now rested.

For readers tracking broader WWE coverage this week, the separate March 20 SmackDown card update is covered here.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.