Former Blue Jays Player and Wife Face Fraud Charges in Ontario

A former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and his wife face allegations of defrauding families of $60,000 through a youth baseball training program in Ontario, according to Durham police. Richard Butler, a Toronto-born player who appeared for the Blue Jays in 1997, is accused of taking money through the Ontario Devil Rays program without delivering the promised services.

Police allege that Butler and his wife diverted funds from the baseball program into their personal accounts before pretending to be bankrupt. The allegations concern money collected from families who expected the program to provide youth baseball training services.

According to Durham police, the program failed to deliver the services it had promised to participating families. The reported allegations center on the handling of program funds and the alleged misrepresentation of the couple's financial circumstances.

Butler's baseball career included an appearance with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1997. A 1999 photograph shows him batting for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The case involves allegations of financial misconduct connected to a youth sports program in Ontario. The charges against Butler and his wife remain allegations, and the available report does not provide further details about court proceedings or responses from either accused person.