Michael Droese, formerly known as Duke “The Dumpster” Droese in the WWE, is facing charges of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.
Authorities claim “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”.
The FBI was tipped off by Coinbase the he attempted purchase of child sexual assault material.
“Sexual Exploitation of a Minor is the name of Tennessee’s law prohibiting child sexual assault material, in all its forms. This charge became aggravated because Mr. Droese intended to purchase the child sexual assault material. 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 produce it and sell it across the world,” wrote Chris Stanford, Chief Prosecutor for the 31st Judicial District in Tennessee.
The report also states: “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. After becoming aware of the indictment returned against him, Mr. Droese peacefully submitted himself to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department where he was booked on the charges and was immediately released upon making bond. Mr. Droese’s arraignment on the charge in Warren County Circuit Court is set for May 28, 2025.”
Once he was charged with the offence, Droese was fired from his job.
“As many of you may be aware, at the time of his indictment, Mr. Droese was employed the new DUI Coordinator for the 31 Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, commonly referred to as ‘DrugCourt (hereinafter “ARC”). Mr. Droese has served with the ARC Program for several years, in various capacities. While it is certainly concerning that a member of the ARC Program has allegedly committed such a repulsive crime, rest assured that at no point during his service as a member of the ARC Program, Mr. Droese was never given a job duty that mandated any contact with children. In addition, it should be noted that all ARC Court (Drug, DUI and Mental Health Court) participants are adults, with no exceptions. Also, upon learning of the indictment returned against Mr. Droese, C. Brad Price, Director of the 31″ Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, informed me that Mr. Droese was terminated from his employment effective immediately.”
Back in 2013, Droese was indicted for three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, having sold oxycodone and buprenorphine to an undercover police informant in July 2013. He was given a three-year sentence, with 30 days to be served in prison, and fined $2,000. He resigned from his teaching position.
In recent news, Duke Droese’s court hearing scheduled for October 23, 2025, has been delayed until January 14, 2026.
