June Trial For Former WWE Star Ted DiBiase Jr. Expected To Be Delayed

There's an old Bob Dylan song that says, "Only one thing I did wrong, stayed in Mississippi a day too long," but according to the federal government, Ted DiBiase Jr. did about 13 things wrong in what is being called the largest public embezzlement case in the history of the state of Mississippi. The former WWE World Tag Team Champion was formally charged with stealing millions of dollars in federal funds last month, but according to PWInsider and court records, the federal government has filed to delay DiBiase's trial, citing more time needed in the "extensive" discovery period, as the US works to build its case against Ted, his brother Brett and his father, WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase. The trial was initially set to begin on June 20, and both parties are currently working on a timetable.

The family was part of a scheme that saw Mississippi's Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) defrauded of more than $77 million in misused welfare funds. Ted's brother Brett has already pled guilty to fraud, and the family has been ordered to repay the misspent welfare money. 

DiBiase Jr. received millions in welfare funds, initially saying the money was being spent by two non-profit organizations — both of which he either owned or was a majority owner of — on anti-poverty measures, but a federal indictment alleges DiBiase Jr. used that money to put a down payment on a house, as well as to buy a boat and another undisclosed vehicle. The various charges mean that Ted DiBiase Jr. could see as much as 45 years in prison, though any possible penalties would likely be able to be served concurrently if a judge should so rule.