A former state welfare director testified Friday that he funneled contracts and jobs to a former professional athlete using funds intended for the state’s neediest residents.
Mark Thompson, the former head of the Central State Department of Social Services, spent more than seven hours testifying during the fourth day of Alex Carter’s federal trial.
Thompson is the highest-ranking official charged in the ongoing welfare fraud investigation.
Carter faces charges of money laundering, theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Prosecutors allege he received nearly $4 million in welfare funds, routed the money through fraudulent contracts, and used the proceeds for personal expenses.
On the stand, Thompson described a close relationship with both Alex Carter and his brother, Ryan Carter. He admitted to directing contracts to the brothers using funds earmarked for welfare services. Thompson also acknowledged that he hired them to work at the agency.
Both Thompson and Ryan Carter have pleaded guilty in the scheme, admitting their roles. Alex Carter, however, continues to maintain his innocence and is contesting the charges.
Carter’s defense attorneys argued that Thompson is the central figure in the fraud and that their client acted without criminal intent. They contend that Thompson manipulated the agency’s processes and that the Department of Social Services failed to properly oversee the distribution of federal funds. The defense further claims Carter was exploited and used as a scapegoat.
Alex Carter is the only individual implicated in the fraud case who has not entered a guilty plea.
Thompson is scheduled to resume his testimony Monday morning when court reconvenes at 9 a.m.
