Durham Regional Police say a former Major League Baseball player and his spouse have been charged in a fraud investigation involving a youth baseball training program. Richard Butler, 53, and Michelle Butler, 52, both of Frankford, were charged after Financial Crimes Unit investigators alleged about $60,000 in parents' fees was misused.
Police say that in 2025, families registered and paid fees for the 2025-2026 Ontario Devil Rays baseball training program, with payments going to accounts associated with Ontario Devil Rays Inc. Investigators allege that between April 1 and October 31, 2025, about $60,000 deposited into an account tied to the organization was transferred to other accounts linked to the suspects, and that the funds were not used for the training program and the agreed-upon services were never provided.
On October 19, 2025, families were told by email that the business was being dissolved due to financial hardship and claiming bankruptcy, police say. Investigators later determined the lawyer's name on the email had allegedly been used without his knowledge or permission, and that no bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings were ever initiated. Each accused faces one count of fraud over $5,000, one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and one count of uttering a forged document.
Police say they have concerns there may be further victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst. Peden of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5241, or to call Durham Regional Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Behind the story
Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Oct 20, 2026, 10:05 a.m.
- Source
- www.drps.ca
