Context:

Former WWE wrestler Michael Droese, known as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese, has been indicted by a Tennessee grand jury for attempting to purchase child pornography. The indictment stems from an incident in 2024 when Droese allegedly tried to acquire child sexual assault material using a Coinbase account on the dark web, which was flagged and terminated by the company. District Attorney General Chris Stanford emphasized the severity of the charge due to the financial support such purchases provide to criminal enterprises. Droese, who previously worked with the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, has been terminated from his position and faces a potential prison sentence of two to four years if convicted. Droese is scheduled for an arraignment hearing in Warren County Circuit Court on May 28, 2025, after being released on a $10,000 bond.

Dive Deeper:

• Michael Droese, a former WWE wrestler known as Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese, faces serious legal charges after a Tennessee grand jury indictment for attempting to purchase child pornography in 2024. The charge involves one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, highlighting the criminal implications of such actions.

• The alleged attempt to buy child sexual assault material occurred on the dark web using a Coinbase account, which was flagged and terminated by the company. This attempted transaction brought the attention of law enforcement, eventually leading to Droese's indictment.

• District Attorney General Chris Stanford underscored the aggravated nature of the charge, noting that the financial transactions involved in purchasing such material contribute to the profitability of criminal enterprises that exploit children globally.

• Droese had been working with the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, serving as a DUI coordinator among other roles, but has since been terminated from his position. Despite his involvement with the program, it was clarified that he did not work with children during his tenure.

• In 2009, Droese moved to Tennessee and worked as a special education teacher but left the position after being caught selling oxycodone to an undercover officer in 2013. The current charges add to a troubled history following his wrestling career.

• Droese turned himself in to authorities after the indictment and was booked at the Warren County Sheriff’s Department. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond but faces significant legal proceedings ahead.

• An arraignment hearing is set for May 28, 2025, in the Warren County Circuit Court, where Droese faces a possible sentence of two to four years in prison if convicted of the charges brought against him.