10-05-2025
Former WWE wrestler accused of trying to buy child pornography: authorities
WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WTAJ) — A former fan favorite WWE wrestler from the 1990s has been indicted in Tennessee for attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of children.
Michael Droese, better known to wrestling fans as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese, was indicted by a Warren County grand jury in May, according to a release from District Attorney General Chris Stanford, 31st Judicial District.
It was alleged that Droese used a Coinbase account in an attempt to purchase child pornography on the dark web, the release reads. Coinbase, however, recognized what the transaction was and declined the payment. The company then sent a tip to the FBI.
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According to Stanford, the FBI alerted the Warren County Sheriff's Department of Droese and the tip they were given on March 29. Within days, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began investigating, which quickly led to charges against Droese.
Stanford said that Droese's charges are considered 'attempted' because his transaction was never processed.
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At the time, Droese was employed as the DUI Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, the release states. Droese served the program for several years in various capacities. Upon learning of the indictment, Droese was terminated from his position effective immediately. Stanford noted that Dorese, though working through the public court system, was never given duties that mandated any contact with children.
After the indictment, Droese peacefully surrendered himself to law enforcement, according to Stanford. Droese was booked on his charges and released after posting $10,000 bond.
Droese's next court date is set for May 28.
Droese, wrestling as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese, appeared in the WWE (then WWF) from 1994 to 1996. He would then return in 2001 for one night only in a special attraction battle royale at WrestleMania 17.
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