The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) is making waves in its lawsuit to recover misspent welfare funds, as it files a notice of its intent to depose former NFL quarterback Brett Favre. This move comes as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to recoup millions of dollars in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that were allegedly diverted from impoverished families to affluent individuals within the state.
In a recent court filing, MDHS revealed that its lawyers are scheduled to take Favre’s sworn testimony on October 26th in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This marks the first time Favre will be deposed in this particular case, although both sides involved have been unwilling to provide any official comments due to a judge’s gag order. When approached for a response, Favre’s lawyer chose not to comment, and an MDHS spokesman also declined to answer questions.
Favre, currently 53 years old, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has never faced criminal charges in this matter. However, in May 2022, he was named as one of the original 38 defendants involved in MDHS’s lawsuit. The agency seeks to recover a minimum of $77 million in misspent TANF funds, which a state audit revealed had been funneled away from impoverished families and into the hands of influential individuals.
A key point of contention between MDHS and Favre revolves around a volleyball facility constructed in 2019 at the University of Southern Mississippi, Favre’s alma mater. The former NFL quarterback personally donated money to the project and played a significant role in raising additional funds. However, text messages made public as part of the lawsuit reveal that Favre lobbied state officials for financial support while his daughter was a member of the university’s volleyball team.
According to both the state audit and the lawsuit, $5 million in TANF funds was allocated to the university’s athletic foundation. Additionally, Favre was paid $1.1 million from TANF funds for speaking engagements that an auditor claims he never fulfilled. While Favre eventually repaid the money, the auditor is now demanding an additional $228,000 in interest. It is worth noting that TANF funds were also directed to Prevacus, a company involved in developing a concussion drug. Favre held a significant stake in the company as the top outside investor.
The case has seen significant legal developments, with eight individuals being indicted in connection to the misspending of welfare funds. Out of the indicted parties, six have already pleaded guilty to their involvement. To uphold a fair trial, a Hinds County judge has issued a suppression order to limit pretrial publicity until the case reaches court or is otherwise resolved.
In its pursuit of justice, MDHS has also sought a deposition from Rodney Bennett, the former president of Southern Miss. However, Bennett, who recently assumed the position of chancellor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is scheduled to provide his deposition on October 31st in Lincoln, Nebraska. MDHS has also issued a subpoena for Bennett’s communication records with Favre, along with numerous other individuals connected to the case.
The lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services seeks to rectify the alleged misuse of welfare funds. By targeting former NFL quarterback Brett Favre for a deposition, MDHS aims to gather further evidence and potentially recover millions of dollars in misspent TANF funds. As the legal battle unfolds, the scrutiny surrounding Favre’s involvement and the diversion of funds to influential parties continues to captivate public attention.
Leave a Reply