JACKSON, Miss.—The courtroom was nearly empty Friday morning when former pro-wrestler Teddy DiBiase Jr., stood at a podium and answered questions from a federal judge about his satisfaction with the attorneys defending him.
The former pro-wrestler, who prosecutors allege received “sham contracts” and millions in welfare funds that should have gone to Mississippi’s poorest, could have his trial delayed over potential legal conflicts of interest. DiBiase has denied the charges.
“Are you satisfied with your lawyer’s representation so far?” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi Judge Carlton Reeves asked DiBiase Jr.
“Yes, sir,” DiBiase, replied.
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“Do you wish that they continue to represent you in this matter?” the judge continued.
“Very much, sir. Yes,” DiBiase affirmed.
Attorneys for the prosecution and defense had just finished arguing back-and-forth over whether DiBiase’s current legal representation should remain on the case.
Prosecutors say that a connection between the law firm representing DiBiase, Watkins and Eager, and Jess New, a potential witness for the prosecution whose mother and brother are also criminal defendants, could amount to a conflict of interest. That could delay DiBiase’s trial, which was originally slated for January 2025.
Prosecuting attorneys said today that the defense attorneys currently representing DiBiase Jr., work for the same firm that once provided legal counsel for the Mississippi Community Education Center, a nonprofit organization formerly affiliated with Nancy New that is tied up in the welfare case.
Nancy New who, along with her other son, Zach New, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the welfare embezzlement scheme involving millions of Temporary Assistance For Needy Families funds in 2022. The News and MCEC are also civil defendants in a state case aimed at recouping $77 million in TANF funds.
Investigators have not accused Jess New of any crimes, however.
“They can’t effectively advocate for Mr. DiBiase,” Justice Department Trial Attorney Della Sentilles said today.
In addition to Nancy and Zach New, former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis—who oversaw the agency as a
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