Michael Droese, a former wrestler known as Duke “The Dumpster” Droese, was indicted in Warren County, Tennessee, for attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. On April 21, 2024, Droese allegedly attempted to purchase child sexual assault material (CSAM) via a Coinbase account on the Dark Web, but the transaction was flagged and stopped.

The FBI tipped off the Warren County Sheriff’s Office on March 19, 2025, leading District Attorney Chris Stanford to enlist the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Within weeks, TBI Special Agent Kevin Starr provided evidence, resulting in a Class D felony charge.

Droese, who worked as a DUI coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program (with no child-related duties), was terminated immediately upon indictment. He turned himself in, posted a $10,000 bond, and was released, with an arraignment set for May 28, 2025. Stanford emphasized aggressive prosecution of child sex crimes.