Rich Butler and his wife face multiple fraud-related charges after Durham Regional Police alleged that fees collected from families for a youth baseball training program was diverted into personal accounts.

A former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and his wife have been charged following an investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving a youth baseball training organization in Ontario. Durham Regional Police identified the accused as Rich Butler, 53, and Michelle Butler, 52, both residents of Frankford, Ontario. Each faces three criminal charges: fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and uttering a forged document. The allegations concern payments collected from families who registered their children for the Ontario Devil Rays baseball training program.

According to investigators, families paid registration and training fees for the organization’s 2025–2026 baseball season. Between April 1 and October 31, 2025, approximately $60,000 was deposited into a bank account associated with the program. Police allege that rather than using the money to provide the promised baseball training, funds were transferred into other accounts connected to the accused. The investigation focused on how the registration payments were handled and whether the money was used for its intended purpose.

Families later received an email informing them that the organization was being dissolved due to a bankruptcy claim. However, investigators discovered discrepancies surrounding that explanation. Police allege that a lawyer identified in the correspondence had been named without his knowledge or authorization. Investigators also determined that no formal bankruptcy proceedings had been initiated. These findings formed part of the investigation that resulted in criminal charges against the couple.

Rich Butler previously played professional baseball, appearing in 86 games with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays between 1997 and 1999. During his major league career, he recorded a .223 batting average, seven home runs and 22 runs batted in. His brother, Rob Butler, also played professionally, appearing in 162 games across four seasons with Toronto and Philadelphia. Rob was a member of the Blue Jays organization during its 1993 World Series championship season.

Charges have been laid against both Rich and Michelle Butler, but the allegations have not been proven in court. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, where the evidence underlying the charges will be examined.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.