Former Toronto Blue Jays player and wife charged in $60K youth baseball fraud
Richard Butler, who played for the Jays in 1997, faces fraud charges after families paid for a training program that never happened.
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A former Toronto Blue Jays player and his spouse have been charged in connection with a fraud scheme involving a youth baseball training program that collected roughly $60,000 from families but delivered no services.
Richard Butler, 53, of Frankford, Ont., and Michelle Butler, 52, took payments between April and October 2025 for the Ontario Devil Rays youth baseball training program, prosecutors say. The funds were deposited into a bank account associated with Ontario Devil Rays Inc., then transferred to accounts held by the Butlers. Butler played for the Blue Jays in 1997, taking to the field seven times after being drafted by Tampa Bay during the 1997 expansion draft.
On October 19, 2025, an email was sent to families claiming the business would dissolve due to financial hardship and bankruptcy — but signed with a lawyer's name without authorization, according to police. No bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings were actually initiated.
Richard Butler faces three counts: fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document. Michelle Butler faces the same charges. Police say there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The facts
How much money was collected in this youth baseball fraud?
Roughly $60,000 was collected from families for the Ontario Devil Rays youth baseball training program between April and October 2025.
When did Richard Butler play for the Toronto Blue Jays?
Richard Butler played for the Blue Jays in 1997, appearing in seven games after being drafted by Tampa Bay during the 1997 expansion draft.
What charges do Richard and Michelle Butler face?
Both face three counts each: fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document.
