Photo: Edward Bernard Peter Buck(melter)
WEST HOLLYWOOD – Edward Bernard Peter Buck (born Buckmelter, 8/24/54), a former model and actor, LGBTQ political activist and Democratic political fundraiser has been charged with running a drug den out of his West Hollywood apartment.
The American businessman, who made a significant amount of money with his company Gopher Courier, and the Grand Marshal of the 1989 International Gay Rodeo, has been under investigation for allegations of drug overdoses to men invited to his home for sex.
On 9/17/19. Ed Buck was charged by the Los Angeles District Attorney with operating a drug house when a 37-year-old suffered an overdose last week. Charges in case BA481154 include one felony count each of battery, causing serious injury, administering methamphetamine and maintaining a drug house.
He was scheduled to be arraigned on 9/18/19 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Buck is accused of injecting meth into a victim on 9/11/19 at the apartment on the 1200 block of Laurel Avenue. The man survived the drug overdose.
Prosecutors recommended bail be set at $4 million. With a conviction on the above evidence, Buck faced a possible maximum sentence of five years and eight months in state prison.
In the meantime, a 2 PM news conference on 9/19/19 brought local and federal law enforcement agencies and officials to the fore, announcing that additional victims have come forward.
At today’s news conference it was announced: Due to recent new evidence, with ten additional victims coming forward, the case has been advanced from the local level to the federal level – including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the FBI.
Investigators located men who had alleged that Buck had solicited them for sex with promises to pay them with money and drugs. A homeless man had come forward regarding first hearing of Buck, then being injected with methamphetamine by Buck.
The latest victim was one of a few who had admissible evidence that could be used. Many victims are reluctant to come forward at this time. According to District Attorney Jackie Lacey, “we need witnesses that can come forward, and corroborate their testimony.”
Officials now state that the defendant is accused of supplying narcotics that caused a man’s death. Much effort has gone into this ongoing case.
An overdose response program was set up by the DEA. Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Barnes of the Major Crimes Division is prosecuting the case.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone who has any information is urged to contact your local L. A. County Sheriff.
“I remain deeply concerned for the safety of people whose life circumstances may make them more vulnerable to criminal predators,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey.
