Brett Favre questioned by the FBI for his function in Mississippi welfare corruption

Brett Favre’s function in a widespread investigation into corruption in Mississippi has led to questioning by the FBI. In 2017 and 2018 Favre obtained funds totaling $1.1M from the state earmarked for “motivational speeches” which the quarterback by no means made, with the cash being pulled straight out of welfare funds supposed for needy households.

Favre’s lawyer, Bud Holmes, claims that his consumer had no thought the cash was popping out of a welfare fund, and denied any wrongdoing on Favre’s half. The investigation, which has been ongoing for the final two and a half years, led to Favre paying again the preliminary funds, nevertheless state auditors at the moment are demanding $228,000 in curiosity — which the state has but to obtain. Because it stands Favre has not been charged with any crime, although the investigation continues to be ongoing.

It’s a part of one of many broadest and most sweeping corruption investigations in Mississippi state historical past. It’s alleged that tens of tens of millions of {dollars} of welfare have been funneled by means of a nonprofit, owned and operated by a high donor and pal of former Republican governor Phil Bryant, and distributed to the rich — slightly than needy communities. Nancy New, who led the nonprofit, in addition to her son Zach, have already pled responsible to state and federal costs — and at the moment are cooperating with investigators.

A portion of the estimated $77M in whole welfare funds went to constructing a brand new volleyball court docket on the campus of Southern Mississippi College, giving items and organizing first-class journey for former director of human companies John Davis, in addition to paying a California rehabilitation clinic for companies supplied for Brett DiBiase — son of former skilled wrestler Ted DiBiase.

Favre’s involvement within the welfare fraud could not finish with repaying the talking cash given to him 5 years in the past. There are questions surrounding the Florida-based firm “Prevacus Inc.”, which was growing a drug claimed to reverse the consequences of concussions and delicate traumatic mind accidents. Favre has been a long-time backer of the corporate, and reportedly labored as a go-between between Prevacus, former governor Bryant, and Nancy New.

Bryant claims he doesn’t recall these interactions, however a sequence of textual content messages obtained by Mississippi In the present day signifies that Favre was a key participant in brokering an enormous funding within the firm which got here from the welfare funds, funneled by means of New. In a single textual content, Prevacus founder Jake VanLandingham supplied Bryant inventory in trade for funding.

VanLandingham: “We would like you to know that we would like you on the group and might supply inventory.”
Bryant: “Simply let me know. And we’ll name a group assembly on the governor’s mansion.”

Just a few weeks later a gathering occurred at Favre’s dwelling, by which Favre, VanLandingham, New and Davis have been current. Shortly after there was one other textual content trade between the drug firm exec, and the governor.

VanLandingham: “Governor, I’m working with Nancy New on our section 1A funding.”
Bryant: “Nice report. We’ll get this carried out.”

Instantly following this trade, Prevacus was given funds from New’s nonprofit, utilizing the welfare funds. At the moment Favre texted the governor straight, saying:

“We couldn’t be extra pleased concerning the funding from the State of Mississippi. In truth, Nancy New goes to satisfy with Joe at Custom the next week.”

Amid investigations into welfare corruption Prevacus bought its drug candidate to Odyssey Well being in February of 2021. As a part of the deal VanLandingham moved to an govt function inside Odyssey, distancing himself and Favre from the Prevacus identify. On Favre’s Twitter timeline, his most up-to-date exercise is a retweet of an Odyssey Well being tweet, reporting constructive leads to testing of the drug that was in-part funded by misappropriated monies within the welfare scheme.

Within the final 12 months Favre has tweeted or retweeted 15 instances about Odyssey Well being, the drug, or interviews he’s carried out on it. He was additionally named as a part of the “sports activities advisory group” in a tweet from Odyssey, which additionally included VanLandingham.

Favre continues to deal with solely his function within the welfare corruption because it pertains to the $1.1M in talking charges, which he claims has been paid again. He has not made public statements concerning the $2.15M that was funneled to Prevacus by means of Nancy New’s nonprofit, which obtained the welfare funds on the behest of governor Phil Bryant and human companies director John Davis.

Particulars of Favre’s interview with the FBI are unknown, however no costs have been introduced towards the previous Packers quarterback at the moment.