Former Blue Jays player Rich Butler and wife charged with fraud in Ontario

Former Toronto Blue Jays player Richard Butler and his wife, Michelle Butler, are facing fraud charges in connection with a youth baseball training program, Durham Regional Police said Tuesday.

The couple, both of Frankford, Ontario, are charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document. The investigation centers on the Ontario Devil Rays, a baseball club serving players aged 10 to 18.

Alleged Financial Misconduct

According to Durham Regional Police, families paid registration fees into accounts associated with Ontario Devil Rays Inc. after enrolling their children in the program for the 2025-2026 season. Investigators determined that between April 1, 2025, and Oct. 31, 2025, approximately $60,000 was deposited into a bank account connected to the organization.

Police allege that funds from this account were subsequently transferred to other accounts associated with the suspects rather than being used to provide training. "Investigators allege the funds were not used for the training program and the services initially agreed upon were not provided by the Ontario Devil Rays organization," notes the media release.

Closure and Bankruptcy Claims

On Oct. 19, 2025, families who had enrolled their children received an email stating that the business was being dissolved due to "financial hardship and bankruptcy." However, police allege that the lawyer named in the email had not authorized its use and that no bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings had been initiated.

Richard Butler, 53, and Michelle Butler, 52, were charged following the investigation. None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Butler’s Baseball Career

Richard Butler was signed as a free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays on Sept. 24, 1990. He was called up to the major league club on Sept. 6, 1997, and played seven games in the outfield that season. He was later selected 10th overall by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 1997 expansion draft, playing 72 games in Tampa's inaugural season of 1998 and seven games in 1999.

His brother, Rob Butler, also played for the Blue Jays and was a member of the team's 1993 World Series-winning run. Rob Butler has served as manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Canadian Baseball League since 2023.

Why it matters

This case highlights potential vulnerabilities in youth sports organizations where parents pay upfront fees for services. Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone who believes they may have been affected by a similar incident to come forward. Information can be provided to Det.-Const. Peden of the financial crimes unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5241, or anonymously to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Sources

• thespec.com: Former Blue Jays player Rich Butler, wife, charged with fraud in Ontario
• thestar.com: Former Blue Jays player Rich Butler, wife, charged with fraud in Ontario
• blogto.com: Former Toronto Blue Jays player charged in alleged scam
• thenews.com.pk: Ex-Toronto Blue Jays player Richard Butler and wife accused of defrauding baseball families
• barrietoday.com: Former Blue Jay, wife charged in youth baseball fraud probe - Barrie News
• toronto.citynews.ca: Former MLB player, wife accused of defrauding families

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.