Richard Butler and Wife Charged in Youth Baseball Fraud Case

Richard Butler, a former player for the Blue Jays and Rays, along with his wife Michelle, has been charged in Canada for their involvement in a youth baseball fraud scheme totaling $60,000.

The couple is accused of collecting registration fees from families for baseball training services that were never delivered, specifically for the Ontario Devil Rays’ 2025-26 program. Reports indicate that the funds were deposited into an account linked to the organization before being transferred to accounts associated with Butler and his wife.

Both face multiple charges, including fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. The organization had informed families in October 2025 about its closure due to financial issues, but investigations revealed no bankruptcy proceedings had been initiated, and a lawyer mentioned in the communication was identified without consent. Authorities suspect there may be more victims involved.