Rich Butler, a former Toronto Blue Jays player, and his wife Michelle Butler have been charged with multiple fraud-related offenses linked to a youth baseball training program, authorities announced Tuesday. The couple, residents of Frankford, Ontario, face charges including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and uttering a forged document, according to Durham Regional Police.

The charges stem from the 2025-26 Ontario Devil Rays baseball training program, which collected registration fees from families between April and October 2025. Investigators reported that approximately $60,000 was deposited into a bank account connected to the program during this period. However, it is alleged that these funds were redirected to other accounts associated with the Butlers rather than being used for baseball training as intended.

Authorities further stated that families involved with the program were informed via e-mail that the business was being dissolved due to a bankruptcy claim. Subsequent investigation revealed that the lawyer referenced in the communication had not authorized the use of his name, and no formal bankruptcy proceedings had been initiated.

Rich Butler, 53, had a professional baseball career spanning from 1997 to 1999, playing as an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays. During his time in Major League Baseball, he participated in 86 games, compiling a batting average of .223 with seven home runs and 22 runs batted in. His brother, Rob Butler, also played in the major leagues, appearing in 162 games over four seasons with Toronto and Philadelphia. Rob was a member of the Blue Jays team that won the 1993 World Series.

Investigations remain ongoing as police continue to gather evidence regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds from the training program. The Butlers have not publicly commented on the charges.