• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Law

Brett Favre Business Partner Pleads Guilty for Role in Welfare Scandal

  • Jake VanLandingham founded Prevacus, a drug company that received money intended for welfare recipients.
  • Favre was the largest individual investor in the company.
C-SPAN

Brett Favre’s business partner in a drug company pleaded guilty in a Mississippi federal court Wednesday for his role in a welfare scandal. The drug company had illegally received more than $2 million of federal welfare funds.

Prevacus founder Jake VanLandingham pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud, a charge that carries up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. VanLandingham was released on a $10,000 bond as he awaits sentencing. 

Favre has denied any wrongdoing as his ties to the misappropriation of funds and he has not been charged criminally. 

“Favre is the next to be indicted,” Matt Tympanick, a federal criminal defense attorney who is not involved in the case but has closely observed it, tells Front Office Sports. “The feds now have someone who can tie Favre to the News and can articulate the alleged scheme.”

“The News” are Nancy and Zach New, the heads of a nonprofit Mississippi Community Education Center where the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds were funneled through to Favre and others. John Davis, the head of Mississippi Department of Human Services when the TANF money was illegally distributed, also pleaded guilty to federal charges. 

With VanLandingham’s plea, federal prosecutors have now charged seven people who were part of a scheme that saw more than $90 million in welfare money illegally diverted—federal money earmarked for the poorest residents of Mississippi, the most impoverished state in the U.S. The federal investigation remains ongoing. 

“The purpose of the scheme … was for VanLandingham to unlawfully enrich himself by making materially false and fraudulent representations that he would use certain funds, including funds obtained from MDHS through MCEC, to develop a pharmaceutical treatment for concussions,” prosecutors wrote in the charging document.  

The News and Davis entered into plea deals that were contingent on their cooperation with federal investigators. The plea supplement for VanLandingham—a document that typically includes a cooperation agreement—was filed under seal in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Prevacus was developing two concussion-related treatments when the company received $2.2 million in TANF funds in 2019. Favre served as a spokesperson for the company and was the largest individual investor in Prevacus, according to court records. 

Text messages from Favre and VanLandingham that have been made public in a lawsuit filed by MDHS have shown their interactions with others involved in the scandal, like Davis and the News. Both Favre and VanLandingham are also defendants in that pending civil case. 

“Surprise [John Davis] with a vehicle. … We could get him a Raptor,” Favre wrote in a January 2019 text to VanLandingham.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Hansi Flick

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium.

John Textor Loses Bid to End $97M Suit Tied to Failed Soccer..

Textor told FOS he intends to appeal; Iconic Sports intends to collect.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Cubs flag sign is seen prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
October 15, 2025

Facial Recognition Tech Suit Against Cubs Dismissed

The Cubs said they don’t use the technology protected by Illinois law.
FBI
October 17, 2025

Former Everton Bidder Indicted for $500 Million Fraud Scheme

777 Partners failed to complete its purchase of Everton in 2023.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
October 13, 2025

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.
October 10, 2025

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Aug 19, 2022; Delaware, OH, USA; More than 1,700 Olentangy Berlin High School students celebrate being named ‘Most Spirited High School in the Country’ by Varsity Brands. The school celebrated with a pep rally in the auditorium.
October 9, 2025

Varsity Brands, PE Owner Face $200M Suit Claiming Systemic Sexual Abuse

Defendants are accused of a coordinated conspiracy.