A couple in Ontario, Michelle and Richard Butler, have faced charges following a fraud probe involving a youth baseball program. Durham police revealed that around $60,000 in fees for the 2025-2026 Ontario Devil Rays training scheme had been funneled into a program-linked bank account between April 1 and Oct. 31 of the previous year. However, the funds were later redirected to accounts associated with the Butlers, who reside in Frankfurt, Ont.
The registration fees, meant for the program, were allegedly misappropriated, with the promised services never rendered, as per police statements. Families who had paid the fees were notified via email on Oct. 19, 2025, claiming business closure due to financial strain and bankruptcy. Subsequent investigations revealed that the lawyer’s identity on the email had been utilized without authorization, and no bankruptcy proceedings had been initiated.
Richard and Michelle Butler now face charges including fraud exceeding $5,000, possession of unlawfully acquired property surpassing $5,000, and presenting a falsified document. Richard Butler, who had a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 and a more extended tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays from 1998 to 1999, is a former Major League Baseball player.
Authorities are apprehensive about potential additional victims and urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to Durham police for assistance.
