GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man with the same name as New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth is facing serious charges alleging he orchestrated a sophisticated fraud scheme involving the names of hundreds of deceased and retired professional baseball players. The indictment, handed down in U.S. District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee, details a complex operation where George Herman Ruth, 69, of Morristown, allegedly exploited class action settlements for substantial financial gain. He is charged with 91 counts, including mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, money laundering, and making false statements to his probation officer. Prosecutors claim Ruth sought over $550,000 through this fraudulent scheme, targeting payouts related to a variety of lawsuits, from allegations concerning contact lens pricing to claims of racial discrimination against a staffing agency. The indictment highlights Ruth’s utilization of numerous P.O. boxes across several Tennessee cities, operated both in his own name and for a network of sham companies. These boxes served as the central hub for submitting hundreds of fraudulent claim forms directly to class action administrators nationwide. Investigators uncovered Ruth’s deceptive tactics, which involved leveraging the names of former baseball players – including those who played for defunct teams such as the Philadelphia Athletics, the St. Louis Browns, and the Kansas City Packers – alongside variations of his own name and the Social Security numbers of unsuspecting victims. This demonstrates a calculated effort to imerspersonate these individuals and deceive the legal system. The scheme’s complexity underscores the significant resources and planning involved in carrying out the fraud. Prosecutors allege Ruth’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and a deliberate attempt to defraud both individuals and the legal process.

The investigation revealed a pattern of deception, indicating a sustained and organized effort to exploit legal settlements for personal financial benefit. Authorities are working to identify all the victims and trace the flow of funds obtained through this fraudulent activity. The case is generating significant attention due to the audacity of the scheme and the potential impact on class action settlement funds. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by legal administrators in combating fraud and protecting vulnerable individuals from deceptive practices. Furthermore, the fact that Ruth previously pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud in Indiana and served a prison sentence followed by probation, adds another layer of concern to the investigation. His probation period, which extends until July 2025, will be closely monitored by authorities. The legal team is now preparing for a lengthy legal battle, with the full extent of the charges and potential penalties yet to be determined. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous verification processes within class action settlements and the need for vigilant oversight to prevent fraudulent claims.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities remain committed to pursuing justice and recovering any misappropriated funds. This case underscores the potential vulnerabilities within the legal system and the importance of safeguarding against individuals seeking to exploit the system for personal gain. The prosecution intends to demonstrate a clear pattern of deceit and the substantial financial harm caused by Ruth’s actions. Ultimately, this case represents a significant challenge to the integrity of class action settlements and a testament to the dedication of law enforcement in combating fraud.