Perez pleads guilty

Associated Press

ROCKY RIVER

Cleveland Indians two-time All-Star closer Chris Perez pleaded no contest and was convicted Tuesday of misdemeanor drug abuse for marijuana shipped to his home in the family dog’s name.

Perez withdrew his not guilty plea in Rocky River Municipal Court outside Cleveland and was found guilty and fined $250. He also was placed on probation for one year and was ordered to speak to youngsters about drugs.

“You’re highly regarded; kids look up to you,” Judge Brian Hagan said. “But you made a big mistake.”

Postal inspectors tipped off police about suspicious packages mailed to the Perez home. They say Perez’s wife, Melanie, accepted two packages with about a third of a pound of marijuana.