Chris_Perez_8-30-09
Chris Perez Wikipedia

Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez and his wife Melanie Perez have been charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana, after two packages of the illicit drug were mailed to their home in Rocky River, Ohio.

An investigative report cited by the Associated Press stated that authorities were tipped off to suspicious packages by postal inspectors. Upon receiving this information, police arranged a delivery, which was accepted by Perez’s wife.

According to postal inspectors, the package was addressed to “Brody Braum.” Brody is the name of the family dog, and Braum is Melanie Perez’s maiden name, AP reported.

After police arrived at the Perez home and questioned the pitcher about the package, “Perez responded that he had ‘personal use’ marijuana in the basement and volunteered to direct the officers to the location of it,” the investigative report said. “He pointed out a number of items of paraphernalia along with two separate ‘Mason’ jars containing a green vegetable matter suspected of being marijuana.”

Perez and his wife were arrested and charged with misdemeanor drug possession. According to Cleveland’s NewsNet5.com, the Mason jars contained a total of 163.9 grams - - or little more than one-third of one pound - - of marijuana.

“My clients Chris and Melanie Perez are facing low-level misdemeanor possession charges. These are accusations only. We want to remind people -- especially the media -- that they have not been found guilty of any crime. They will be entering not guilty pleas. We ask that people not rush to judgment. We are confident of a favorable outcome. In the meantime, Chris and Melanie ask that their family’s privacy be respected. Chris is eager to return his focus to his team and his family,” attorney Terry Gilbert said.

Meanwhile, the Indians are taking an understandably cautious approach to the situation.

“Clearly, we take these matters seriously and are disappointed whenever there is any negative attention brought to the Indians organization or one of our players,” Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said. “We understand and respect that there is an ongoing legal process that we will allow to evolve.”

Manager Terry Francona also addressed the incident, saying: “He’s got some friends that care about him, which makes sense, and I’ve spoken to him a couple of times. But out of respect to the situation and the process, we’re really not allowed to talk about it.”

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Chris Perez. On May 27, the two-time All-Star was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his right shoulder, as ESPN.com noted. This season, he has converted 6 of 8 save opportunities, while recording a 4.32 ERA in 17 appearances on the mound.