Democratic megadonor Ed Buck arrested after another man overdoses on meth at his home

Democratic donor Ed Buck was arrested and charged with battery and maintaining a drug house Tuesday night after a third man overdosed on methamphetamine at his California home, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The third man survived, but two previous men have died under similar circumstances at Buck's West Hollywood home since 2017. Buck was not charged in those deaths because authorities claimed there was insufficient evidence.

The charges against Buck stem from a Sept. 11 incident during which Buck allegedly administered two "dangerously large doses" of methamphetamine to an unidentified 37-year-old man.

According to prosecutors, Buck tried to prevent the man from seeking help when he overdosed. The man eventually fled the apartment and called 911. The same man had previously overdosed at Buck's home on Sept. 4.

The accusations against Buck are similar to those made in the deaths of 26-year-old Gemmel Moore and 55-year-old Timothy Dean, adding to the belief that Buck preys on men who are homeless and/or addicts, luring them with promises of shelter and drugs.

"From his home, in a position of power, Buck manipulates his victims into participating in his sexual fetishes," prosecutors said, according to court documents. "These fetishes include supplying and personally administering dangerously large doses of narcotics to his victims. ... Not deterred by the senseless deaths of Moore and Dean, the defendant nearly killed a third victim last week."

Prosecutors are seeking $4 million bail. Buck faces one count each of battery causing serious injury, administering methamphetamine and maintaining a drug house, and if convicted, could serve up to five years and eight months in state prison.

Buck is a major donor to Democratic politicians and causes, having donated more than $500,000 to various candidates. He is also an LGBTQ rights activist who once unsuccessfully ran for city council in West Hollywood.