Former Blue Jays player Richard Butler charged in baseball program fraud

Former Toronto Blue Jays player Richard Butler and his wife, Michelle Butler, have been charged in connection with a fraud investigation involving a youth baseball training program in Ontario.

According to Durham Regional Police, approximately $60,000 was deposited into a bank account associated with the Ontario Devil Rays organization between April 1 and October 31, 2025. Investigators allege these funds were transferred to accounts associated with the suspects rather than being used for the promised training services.

In October 2025, families were notified via email that the business was dissolving due to bankruptcy and financial hardship. However, police determined that a lawyer’s name was used in the email without permission and that no formal bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings had been initiated.

Both Richard and Michelle Butler face charges of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document.