Chris Perez and wife plead not guilty in possession case

Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez and his wife, Melanie, have reportedly pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor drug possession charges. The criminal complaints are in regard to the controlled substance investigation from roughly one week ago where Perez’ home received what was reported as one-third of a pound of marijuana through the United States mail service.

Two packages were allegedly shipped to the Perez residence in Rocky River, Ohio. Both packages, containing marijuana, were addressed to Brody Baum, the name of the Perez family dog, and were accepted by Melanie. A search warrant was obtained following a multi-unit investigation which included the postal service and the Rocky River police department. Arrests were not initially made while the investigation took place, but the couple would later be subject to fourth-degree misdemeanor charges.

The Associated Press reports that the Perez pleas included a request that a requirement for the couple appear in person for a June 19 arraignment be dropped.

Perez is currently on the disabled list for the Indians due to a sore throwing shoulder. He has started a light throwing program and will reportedly be reevaluated throughout the week. The Indians have lost eight games in a row and have seen their typically strong bullpen collapse over the last several weeks.

[Related: The hypocrisy of drugs in sports]