Richard and Michelle Butler Charged in Ontario Youth Baseball Fraud Probe

Conceptual illustration of baseball equipment and blank registration forms beside an empty field

Updated: 20 October 2026, 2:51 p.m. EDT (Toronto)

Durham Regional Police announced fraud-related charges against former Major League Baseball player Richard Butler and his wife, Michelle Butler, on Tuesday over fees paid for an Ontario youth baseball training program.

Police said Richard, 53, and Michelle, 52, both of Frankford, each face one count of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and uttering a forged document. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Investigators say families paid approximately $60,000 into an account associated with Ontario Devil Rays Inc. between April and October 2025 for the 2025–2026 program. Police allege money was transferred to other accounts associated with the suspects and the promised services were not provided.

Police also allege an October 2025 email telling families the business was closing used a lawyer’s name without permission. Investigators said no bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings had begun.

CityNews independently reported the charges and noted that Richard Butler played for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997.

Police believe there may be additional affected families and are asking people with information to contact their Financial Crimes Unit. Their release did not announce a court date.

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