Former Non-Profit Director Testifies in DiBiase Welfare Fraud Trial

Christi Webb says she should have stopped payments to DiBiase's company in 2018

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Christi Webb, a former non-profit director, returned to the witness stand in the welfare fraud trial of ex-pro wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. Webb testified that she requested monthly activity reports from DiBiase in 2018 to certify where the money was going, but never received them. The jury was shown checks totaling over $500,000 to one of DiBiase's companies. Webb said former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis pressured her to give contracts to DiBiase, and that Davis 'could be a pretty vicious man' if you didn't do what he wanted.

Why it matters

This case highlights alleged misuse of federal welfare funds intended to help needy families, as well as the power dynamics between state officials and non-profit organizations that received the funding. It raises questions about oversight and accountability in the distribution of public assistance dollars.

The details

DiBiase is accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain $3.5 million in federal funds. Webb testified that she should have stopped payments to DiBiase's company in 2018 when he wasn't doing anything with the money. The jury was shown checks totaling over $500,000 to one of DiBiase's companies.

  • In August 2018, Webb requested monthly activity reports from DiBiase to certify where the money was going, but never received them.
  • On Monday, former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis testified that he pressured Webb to give contracts to DiBiase.

The players

Christi Webb

A former non-profit director who testified in the welfare fraud trial of Ted DiBiase Jr.

Ted DiBiase Jr.

A former pro-wrestler accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain $3.5 million in federal welfare funds.

John Davis

The former director of the Mississippi State Department of Human Services, who allegedly pressured Webb to give contracts to DiBiase.

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What they’re saying

“I should've stopped it in 2018 when Teddy wasn't doing anything with that money.”

— Christi Webb, Former non-profit director (wapt.com)

“If you didn't do what John told you to do, he could be a pretty viscous man.”

— Christi Webb, Former non-profit director (wapt.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Ted DiBiase Jr. to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in the distribution of public assistance funds, as well as the potential for abuse of power by state officials over non-profit organizations that receive federal funding.