The massive Mississippi welfare fraud case unraveled and exposed by award-winning Mississippi Today journalist Anna Wolfe exploded across the country and became one of the biggest stories in sports at the time due to the involvement of Hall of Famer quarterback, Brett Favre.
The case, which the publication labeled the “biggest public fraud case in state history” involved multiple parties from the state government, the private sector and sports.
The leader of the fraud was Nancy New, the founder of the Mississippi Community Education Center. Thanks to Wolfe’s efforts, it was discovered that $77 million in TANF funds, meant for needy families in the state, were actually diverted to wealthy individuals and projects not eligible these federal funds.
Two of the biggest names involved were former governor Phil Bryant and Favre, who received $5 million for a volleyball arena at his alma mater, Southern Mississippi.
After Wolfe uncovered text messages between the individuals and an audit on the spending, indictments were handed down and arrests were made.
Favre was ripped in the media, which led to a now-tossed lawsuit he filed against ESPN personality, Shannon Sharpe.
After the story dropped in 2022, Wolfe won the Pulitzer and all eyes were on the next steps from those in power in the state.
Two years later, Wolfe herself is now the target of retribution led by former governor Bryant.
According to a story by Mark Fainaru-Wada of ESPN.com, Bryant sued Mississippi Today for defamation and is using the courts to fight back.
Now, instead of addressing the corruption, the bright lights have turned toward Mississippi Today and Wolfe.
The former governor recently requested a circuit court to hold the two parties in contempt. He wants everything the two used to publish the award-winning expose- her notes, emails, sources, etc. The judge has somewhat sided with him, ordering them to give him the materials so can make his own decision on the case.
The nonprofit news organization called the order “unconstitutional” and filed an appeal with the state supreme court. Regardless of the outcome Mississippi Today and Wolfe said they would rather face court, fines or even jail time instead of giving up their confidential sources.
The reporting by the two parties was excellent and commended by many across the country. It exposed a major example of fraud plaguing the state and put the spotlight on a state that is recognized for its division between the haves and have nots.
But now those associated with the fraud are fighting back, so we will see whether real justice prevails or if the powers that be allow bullying and corruption to continue.
