Latest news with #MichaelDroese
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
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. More US and World News 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. Deadly illness spreading twice as fast in 2025, surpasses 9,000 cases 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Former WWE superstar facing child pornography charge
Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese has been indicted on one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor Michael Droese, also known as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese during his professional wrestling career. District Attorney General Chris Stanford, 31st Judicial District Former WWE wrestler Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese was indicted earlier this week by a Tennessee grand jury after allegedly attempting to purchase child pornography in 2024. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The retired professional wrestler, whose real name is Michael Droese, faces one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment was announced Monday in a press release by Chris Stanford, a state district attorney general. 'This charge became aggravated because Mr. Droese intended to purchase the child sexual assault material,' Stanford alleged in the release. 'Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime because the money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises that produce it and sell across the world.' The press release alleged that Droese attempted to buy child pornography on the dark web by using a cryptocurrency account on April 21, 2024. Coinbase terminated the purchase and flagged it in the process. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After the FBI was alerted of the alleged attempted purchase by Droese, it notifiied the Warren County Sheriff's Department. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation assisted the Sheriff's Department, eventually bringing in Droese. Droese surrendered after the grand jury indicted him and was booked at the Warren County Sheriff's Department. He was released after posting $10,000 bond. It was noted in the press release that Droese had been working with an adult recovery court program, which also is referred to as 'Drug Court.' He was a DUI coordinator there, while also working for the program in other roles. Read More Stanford said that Droese did not work with any children during his time with the program – but the former wrestler does reportedly have a history as a teacher. According to a feature posted on in 2009, Droese – who worked for the professional wrestling giant from 1994-96 – became an elementary school teacher for special education students after his leaving the company. He was later forced to leave his job after selling oxycodone to an undercover officer in 2013. Droese is due in court on May 28 for an arraignment hearing and, if convicted, he faces a possible sentence of two to four years in prison. Canada Columnists Sunshine Girls MLB Toronto Maple Leafs
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Time of India
Former WWE star Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese arrested for attempted purchase of child pornography
Former WWE wrestler Michael Droese , known as Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, was arrested in Warren County , Tennessee, after allegedly attempting to purchase child pornography on the dark web using cryptocurrency . The 56-year-old wrestler's transaction was intercepted by Coinbase, which alerted the FBI , leading to his arrest and indictment on charges of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of children in May attempt to purchase child pornography was thwarted when Coinbase recognized and declined the payment, promptly sending a tip to the FBI. The federal agency then notified the Warren County Sheriff's Department on March 29, initiating an investigation within former WWE star was subsequently booked and released after posting a $10,000 bond. His charges are classified as "attempted" since the transaction was never Attorney General Chris Stanford of the 31st Judicial District of Tennessee provided detailed context about the charges: "Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime. The money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises produce it and sell it across the world. However, because Mr Droese was unsuccessful in securing the child sexual assault material he intended to purchase, the charge becomes a Criminal Attempt. Thus, the decision was made to charge one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor."At the time of his arrest, Droese held the position of DUI Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, where he had served in various capacities for several years. Following the indictment, he was terminated from his former wrestler's next court appearance is scheduled for May 28. If convicted, he could potentially face between two to four years in had a notable career in WWE during the mid-1990s, where he performed under the moniker "The Dumpster," characterized by bringing a trash can to the ring. He achieved recognition as the first wrestler to defeat the legendary Triple H His wrestling career with WWE spanned two years, concluding in 1996. However, he made a return appearance at WrestleMania 17 in 2001. His most recent wrestling performance was with Major League Wrestling two years investigation continues as authorities process the case, with Droese currently out on bail awaiting his court date.
Sunday World
07-05-2025
- Sunday World
Ex-WWE star arrested for trying to buy child abuse material on dark web
He tried to use cryptocurrency to make the purchase, but the transaction was blocked and flagged to the FBI Ex-WWE star Michael Droese has been arrested for trying to purchase child sexual abuse material. Droese, a former wrestler known as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese during his career at the wrestling promotion from 1994 to 1996, was indicted by a Tennessee grand jury on one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class D felony. Prosecutors allege he tried to buy child sexual abuse material on the dark web in April 2024. The 56-year-old tried to use cryptocurrency to make the purchase, but the transaction was flagged and blocked by Coinbase who then alerted the FBI. The tip was passed to local authorities in Warren County, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was brought in to assist with the inquiry. Droese turned himself in to police and was booked, and later released after posting a $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Warren County Circuit Court on May 28 for arraignment. If convicted, he faces a sentence of two to four years in prison. At the time of the alleged offence, Droese was employed as a DUI coordinator with the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program where he held numerous roles over the years. District Attorney General Chris Stanford confirmed he did not work directly with children, and was fired from his job immediately. Stanford said that the charge is classified as aggravated due to Droese's intent to purchase child sexual abuse material. Michael Droese aka Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese mugshot The News in 90 Seconds - Wednesday, 7th of May 'The financial transaction is what fuels the production and distribution of such material globally, making this a particularly serious offense,' he said. A 2009 article by the WWE revealed that the California man had changed careers and became a school teacher for kids with learning disabilities and began coaching high school athletes. He resigned from his role in 2013 after he was caught selling oxycodone to an undercover agent and given a one-month prison sentence. Drose was a popular WWE star in the 90s, developing on-screen rivalries with figures such as Jerry 'The King' Lawler and Paul 'Triple H' Levesque. He left the WWE in 1996 but continued to wrestle in smaller promotions internationally.
New York Post
06-05-2025
- New York Post
Ex-WWE star Duke Droese arrested after allegedly trying to buy child porn
A former WWE wrestler was indicted by a Tennessee grand jury after he allegedly attempted to purchase child pornography last year, according to prosecutors. Michael Droese, known as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese during his WWE days from 1994-96, is facing one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor — a class D felony — after the FBI was tipped off to allegations. 'This charge became aggravated because Mr. Droese intended to purchase the child sexual assault material,' said Chris Stanford, the District Attorney General of the 31st Judicial District in Tennessee, in a release on Monday. 'Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime because the money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises that produce it and sell across the world.' Advertisement Droese, 56, allegedly attempted to purchase child pornography from the dark web using his Coinbase account on April 21, 2024, which was flagged by the company, and the transaction was terminated, Stanford said. 5 Michael Droese was indicted by a grand jury. Warren County Sheriff's Department Coinbase notified the FBI, which passed along the tip to Warren County Sheriff's Department investigator Jason Walker in March, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was then quickly brought in to assist the local investigation. Advertisement 5 Undated image of Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese in the ring with Bret Hart. WWF A grand jury handed down an indictment during the May 2025 session, and Droese turned himself in to the Warren County Sheriff's Department. He was booked and released after posting $10,000 bond. He is due back in Warren County Circuit Court on May 28 for an arraignment hearing as he faces a possible sentence of two to four years if convicted. The release also noted that Droese had been working as a DUI coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program — also known as 'Drug Court' — and worked for the ARC program in 'various capacities' over several years. Advertisement He did not work with any children during his time working with the program, and he has been terminated from the position effective immediately, Stanford added. 5 1994 image of Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese. via Duke "The Dumpster" Droese/Facebook An article published by the WWE website in 2009 indicated that after Droese settled in Tennessee following his wrestling career, he became an elementary school teacher for students with learning disabilities. He also said, at the time, that he was training high school athletes. Advertisement In 2013, however, he resigned from his teaching job after selling oxycodone to an undercover agent. He was sentenced to a month in jail, the Southern Standard reported at the time. Droese had become a familiar face to wrestling fans during the early '90s and developed a rivalry with Jerry 'The King' Lawler, which included a moment where Lawler hit Droese in the head with his own garbage can, which prompted the WWE to apologize. 5 Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese in 2019. Duke "The Dumpster" Droese/Facebook 5 Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese in 2020. Duke "The Dumpster" Droese/Facebook He also developed an early rivalry with a then-young Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, who now serves as WWE's chief content officer. Drose left WWE in 1996 and continued to perform in smaller promotions around the world off and on.
