Former wrestling star Duke “The Dumpster” Droese was indicted on one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor by District Attorney General of the 31st Judicial District Chris Stanford.
In a press release, the AG said that his decision to seek the indictment against Mr. Droese came after a brief but very effective investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
“On April 21, 2024, Michael Droese used his Coinbase account to attempt to purchase child sexual assault material (child pornography) from the Dark Web. The transaction was flagged and terminated prior to the purchase being completed,” Stanford said in a press release.
The FBI was tipped off by Coinbase regarding the attempted purchase and the Warren County Sheriff’s Department was then alerted of the case, with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force taking over the case.
The AG said that since Droese was unsuccessful in securing the child sexual assault material he intended to purchase, the charge becomes a a criminal attempt.
“Thus, the decision was made to charge one (1) count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – a Class D Felony in the State of Tennessee that carries a possible sentence of two (2) to four (4) years. After the Warren County Grand Jury returned the indictment against Mr. Droese, bail was set by the Circuit Court in the amount of $10,000.00,” the press release stated.
Droese submitted himself to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department after he became aware of the indictment against him and was released after posting the bond.
Droese’s arraignment on the charge in Warren County Circuit Court is set for May 28, 2025.
He was also fired from his job as part of the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program.
Droese worked for WWE between 1994 and 1996.
