Former Blue Jays Player and Wife Face Ontario Fraud Charges

Two residents of Frankford, Ontario, are facing fraud charges following an investigation into approximately $60,000 collected from families enrolled in a youth baseball training program. Durham Regional Police announced Tuesday, October 20, 2026, that former Toronto Blue Jays player Richard Butler, 53, and his wife, Michelle Butler, 52, each face three charges connected to the Ontario Devil Rays organization. According to Durham Regional Police, both defendants have been charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and uttering a forged document.

The allegations concern registration payments made by families for the organization's 2025-2026 season. Investigators allege that approximately $60,000 was deposited into a bank account connected to Ontario Devil Rays Inc. between April 1 and October 31, 2025. Police say the money was subsequently transferred to other accounts associated with the suspects rather than being used for the training program as intended.

Authorities also allege that participating families did not receive the services promised through the program. The investigation examined an email sent to families on October 19, 2025, announcing that the business would be dissolved because of financial difficulties and bankruptcy.

According to investigators, the email identified a lawyer who had no involvement in the matter. Police allege that the lawyer's identity was used without his knowledge or permission and say their investigation found that no bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings had been initiated. Richard Butler played three seasons in Major League Baseball. He appeared for his hometown Toronto Blue Jays in 1997 and played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, now known as the Tampa Bay Rays, in 1998 and 1999.

Butler attended East York High School. His brother, Rob Butler, played four MLB seasons and was part of the Toronto Blue Jays team that won the 1993 World Series. Durham Regional Police say investigators believe the case may involve additional victims. The allegations against Richard and Michelle Butler have not been established in court.