Overview
- Jury proceedings opened this week as prosecutors outlined claims that roughly $10–11 million intended for low‑income children was diverted from two USDA reimbursement programs.
- The government says Connie Bobo bought multiple properties, including a nearly $1 million St. Charles mansion, and transferred about $1.4 million to boyfriend Howard Hughes III, who purchased a Mercedes‑Benz G550 valued near $212,000.
- Regulators say New Heights sought payment for nearly six million meals from 2019 to 2022 despite grocery receipts indicating purchases for fewer than three million meals.
- An aggravated identity theft charge centers on Bobo allegedly listing former friend Dacia Betts as a New Heights officer without her knowledge, with Betts testifying she learned of it from the FBI.
- The defense says there was no intentional fraud and notes Bobo recently rejected a plea offer, while prosecutors pursue forfeiture and say a conviction could carry a sentence exceeding 20 years.