Judge Sets Sentencing Timeline for Nancy and Zach New
The Mississippi judge ordered a state correctional screening for the two defendants following their 2022 guilty pleas.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Judge Faye Peterson held a hearing on October 27 to establish a sentencing timeline for Nancy New and Zach New, who pleaded guilty to welfare fraud charges in April 2022. The judge ordered the Mississippi Department of Corrections to screen both defendants as she looks to finalize their state-level cases.
Why it matters
Judge Peterson stated she intends to resolve these cases and remove them from her docket. The upcoming state sentencing follows a lengthy legal process that has stretched over four years since the defendants first entered their guilty pleas.
Judge Peterson has ordered the Mississippi Department of Corrections to conduct a formal screening of both defendants to inform state sentencing. She indicated a preference for house arrest and potential restitution rather than immediate incarceration.
The players
Judge Faye Peterson
The presiding judge in Hinds County who is overseeing the sentencing timeline for the welfare fraud case.
Nancy New
A defendant who pleaded guilty to welfare fraud charges in 2022 and is awaiting final state sentencing.
Zach New
A defendant who pleaded guilty to welfare fraud charges alongside Nancy New in 2022.
Ted DiBiase
A figure previously involved in federal legal proceedings related to the case who was acquitted in early 2026.
Mississippi Department of Corrections
The state agency tasked by Judge Peterson to perform a required screening of the defendants.
The details
While the judge seeks to finalize the state-level sentencing within the coming weeks, the defendants still face potential federal sentencing proceedings. Federal prosecutors could issue sentences during the week of November 16, 2026, which may result in additional jail time.
Timeline
April 2022: Nancy and Zach New entered guilty pleas.
Early 2026: Ted DiBiase was acquitted in a federal trial.
October 27, 2026: Judge Peterson held a sentencing timeline hearing.
November 16, 2026: Potential week for federal sentencing.
After January 2027: Defense attorney estimate for federal sentencing.
Legal Context
This state-level sentencing follows years of complex legal proceedings involving multiple high-profile defendants in Mississippi. The process highlights the distinct timelines between state and federal prosecutions when resolving large-scale fraud cases.
The resolution of this case settles a long-standing investigation that has been on the court's docket since 2022. Residents in Mississippi may see continued reporting as federal sentencing dates approach in the coming months.
The takeaway
The court's decision to order a state-level screening marks a significant step toward concluding a multi-year fraud case. Defendants facing similar charges should be aware that state sentencing and federal sentencing processes can overlap and result in separate penalties.
What happens next
Federal prosecutors could potentially issue sentences to the defendants during the week of November 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on state court procedures, visit the Criminal Justice section.
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