Introduction to the Case
A Tennessee man with the same name as New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth is facing charges alleging that he used the names of hundreds of dead or retired pro baseball players to make phony claims for payouts in class action settlements.
George Herman Ruth is charged with 91 counts in the indictment handed down in U.S. District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee, on Aug. 12, the U.S. attorney’s office announced late last week. The 69-year-old from Morristown is charged with mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, money laundering, making false statements to his probation officer and possessing firearms after having previously been convicted of felonies.
Details of the Scheme
The indictment says Ruth obtained or attempted to obtain more than $550,000 through the scheme. He sought payouts in lawsuit settlements ranging from contact lens pricing allegations to claims of racial discrimination against a staffing agency, the indictment adds. Ruth opened more than a dozen P.O. boxes in several Tennessee cities for himself and for sham companies, then submitted hundreds of fraudulent claim forms to class action administrators across the country, according to the indictment. He used the old baseball players’ names or variations of his own name and the Social Security numbers of unwitting victims, prosecutors said.
Identity of the Players
The indictment doesn’t list the names of the players Ruth claimed to be, but it does describe some of them. For instance, some played for defunct teams such as the Philadelphia Athletics, the St. Louis Browns and the Kansas City Packers. This information provides insight into the scope and complexity of the scheme Ruth allegedly perpetrated.
Response from the Defense
A public defender representing Ruth declined to comment on the charges. This lack of comment suggests that the defense may be strategy-focused, choosing not to reveal their approach to the case at this time.
Previous Offenses
Ruth had previously pleaded guilty in an Indiana federal court to a scheme to commit Social Security fraud. In 2020, he was sentenced to prison before going on probation from October 2023 until July 2025, court records show. This history of fraud indicates a pattern of behavior that is now being addressed through the current charges.
Conclusion
The case of George Herman Ruth, a man sharing the name of the legendary baseball player, highlights the sophistication and breadth of fraud schemes in the modern era. With allegations of using the identities of deceased or retired baseball players to claim settlements, this case underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing and prosecuting fraud. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for both Ruth and the broader community, serving as a reminder of the consequences of such actions.
FAQs
- Q: What are the charges against George Herman Ruth?
A: Ruth is charged with 91 counts including mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, money laundering, making false statements to his probation officer, and possessing firearms after having previously been convicted of felonies. - Q: How much money did Ruth allegedly attempt to obtain through the scheme?
A: According to the indictment, Ruth obtained or attempted to obtain more than $550,000. - Q: What was the nature of the scheme?
A: Ruth allegedly used the names of hundreds of dead or retired pro baseball players to make phony claims for payouts in class action settlements. - Q: Has Ruth been involved in similar offenses in the past?
A: Yes, Ruth had previously pleaded guilty to a scheme to commit Social Security fraud in an Indiana federal court.
