Rocky River, OH — Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez was sentenced to one year of probation after pleading no contest to and being found guilty of a misdemeanor drug abuse charge.
Perez was also ordered to pay $250 fine , complete the MLB’s drug treatment program, and speak to students at Rocky River High School about the dangers of drugs.
“You’re highly regarded, kids look up to you,” Municipal Judge Brian Hagan said. “But you made a big mistake. I hope that through your efforts you can deter someone else from making that same mistake.”
The 28-year-old baseball player’s wife, Melanie Perez, entered a plea to minor drug possession. If a drug test on her hair follicles comes back clean, she will pay a $50 fine and will not be required to serve probation, according to City Prosecutor Michael O’Shea.
A six-ounce bag of marijuana was sent from Los Angeles to Perez’s home and addressed to Brody Baum, the couple’s dog , in June. The package was intercepted when a postal worker smelled the contents and called an inspector. The inspector opened the package, resealed it, and delivered it to the home.
An undercover police officer posing as a delivery man brought the package to Melanie Perez, who confirmed that the package was for the dog. Brody is the dog’s first name and Baum is Melanie Perez’s maiden name.
Police were notified and seized the marijuana, a bong, two pipes, and other drug paraphernalia from the home when the couple went out to lunch and a movie. Their two children were left at home with a babysitter. Chris Perez admitted that the items belonged to him.
Perez was placed under investigation after the search of his home on June 4, and was charged with marijuana possession on June 7.
Defense attorney Terry Gilbert said Chris Perez is already participating in the MLB’s “very rigorous” drug treatment program, and that he is being subjected to regular drug tests.
“For all intents and purposes his life is on a good track,” Gilbert said.
