Former MLB Player and Wife Accused of Taking $60,000 Meant for Kids’ Baseball Training

Parents who paid to enroll their children in a youth baseball development program in Ontario were left without the promised training after the organization allegedly failed to deliver its services. Now, a former Major League Baseball player and his wife are facing criminal charges over approximately $60,000 in payments.

Richard Butler, 53, and his wife, Michelle Butler, 52, have been charged following an investigation by Durham Regional Police in Canada. Authorities allege the couple received money from families who registered their children for the Ontario Devil Rays baseball program for the 2025–2026 season.

According to investigators, approximately $60,000 was deposited into an account associated with the organization between April and October 2025. Police allege that the money was subsequently transferred to other accounts associated with the couple rather than being used to provide the training families had paid for.

The parents were reportedly informed by email on October 19, 2025, that the organization was shutting down because of financial difficulties and claiming bankruptcy. However, investigators allege that no bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings had actually been initiated.

Police also allege that the email included the name of a lawyer who had not authorized its use and was not involved in the matter. That discovery led to additional scrutiny of the message and the circumstances surrounding the program’s closure.

Both Richard and Michelle Butler face three charges: fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document.

Richard Butler previously played professional baseball in Major League Baseball, appearing in 86 games between 1997 and 1999 as an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Investigators have warned that there may be additional victims and are asking anyone who believes they were affected by the alleged scheme to contact police.

It remains unclear whether either defendant has entered a plea. The allegations have not been proven in court, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

For the families involved, the case raises serious questions about the money they paid and the baseball opportunities their children expected to receive. Investigators continue to examine the financial transactions and are encouraging other potentially affected families to come forward.

Source:  PEOPLE