Newly surfaced documents have shed more light on the disturbing case of Ed Buck — a once-prominent Democratic donor who was convicted in 2021 on nine federal charges. He was found guilty of giving methamphetamine to two men during sexual encounters, resulting in tragic consequences.
According to prosecutors, Buck targeted vulnerable individuals, many of whom were homeless, inviting them to his West Hollywood apartment for so-called “party and play” sessions. These gatherings involved drugs and sexual activity, often under troubling and unclear circumstances.
Buck had been a generous political donor for years, contributing over $500,000 to major Democratic names, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Gavin Newsom, Adam Schiff, and Ted Lieu.
After his conviction, political strategist and activist Jasmyne Cannick—who led protests to bring attention to the case—highlighted the bigger picture. “This case isn’t just about Ed Buck,” she said. “It reflects our larger housing crisis and the desperate situations some people face just to survive.”
She continued, “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity—regardless of their housing status, health condition, or how they make a living. Their lives matter, and we can’t ignore their deaths just because they happened in the home of a wealthy, politically connected donor.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Norell strongly condemned Buck’s actions, stating that he used his money and status to prey on men who were struggling—whether with homelessness, poverty, or addiction. “He spent thousands fueling addictions and destroyed lives in the process,” she said. One chilling example involved Buck continuing to inject meth into a man named Dane Brown while hiding from authorities after another man, Gemmel Moore, had died.
Despite this, Buck’s defense team asked for a lighter sentence—just 10 years—arguing that his entire life should be considered, not just what they described as an exaggerated portrayal. Buck himself pleaded, “Don’t judge me based on a caricature created by the government.”
One of Buck’s survivors, reflecting on the trial, shared a powerful message: “I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I’m just grateful the families who lost loved ones finally got the justice they deserve. I lived. But they are still grieving.”
Online, reactions to the case stirred a mix of emotions. Some conservative commentators called attention to Buck’s political ties, while others questioned how far the connections and coverups might go. One user noted Buck’s association with Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu, calling for deeper investigations into potential misuse of taxpayer funds.
While the legal chapter may be closing, the Ed Buck case continues to raise important conversations about power, privilege, and protecting vulnerable communities.