Babe Ruth Lookalike Charged in Fraud Scheme: A Shocking Case of Identity Deception

Aug 26, 2025, 06:00 AM ET

Tennessee Man Charged In Elaborate Class Action Fraud Scheme

Greeneville, TN – A Tennessee resident sharing a name with Baseball Hall of Famer Babe Ruth faces multiple Federal charges related to an alleged scheme to defraud class action settlements. George Herman Ruth,69,of Morristown,Tennessee,is accused of utilizing the identities of deceased and former professional baseball players to illicitly claim payouts.

Indictment Details Extensive Fraud

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the 91-count indictment handed down on August 12th in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.Charges against Ruth include mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, money laundering, and making false statements to a probation officer. Additional charges relate to the unlawful possession of firearms, given a prior felony conviction.

Prosecutors allege Ruth obtained, or attempted to obtain, over $550,000 through the fraudulent scheme. The purported payouts stemmed from a variety of class action lawsuits,encompassing issues such as contact lens pricing disputes and allegations of racial discrimination within staffing agencies.

Complex Network of False Claims

According to the indictment, Ruth established more than a dozen Post Office boxes across several Tennessee cities, operating under his own name and through shell companies. He then allegedly submitted hundreds of fraudulent claim forms to administrators managing the class action settlements nationwide. These forms reportedly used the names of former baseball players, variations of his own name, and stolen Social Security numbers.

While the indictment does not explicitly name the players whose identities were allegedly misused, it indicates that some individuals represented teams with long-defunct names, including the Philadelphia athletics, the St. Louis Browns, and the kansas city Packers.

Did You Know? Identity theft related to class action settlements is a growing concern,with fraudsters exploiting loopholes to submit false claims.

Prior Legal Issues and Current Portrayal

Records show Ruth previously pled guilty to Social Security fraud in an Indiana federal court. he was sentenced to prison in 2020 and subsequently placed on probation from October 2023 until july 2025.A public defender representing Ruth has currently declined to provide any public comment regarding the charges.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported cases of identity theft increased by 28% in 2024, with goverment documents and benefits fraud being a major driver.

Charge	Potential Penalty
Mail Fraud	Up to 20 years in prison
Aggravated Identity Theft	Mandatory two-year sentence, consecutive to other charges
Money Laundering	Up to 20 years in prison, $500,000 fine

Understanding Class Action Settlement fraud

Class action settlements are designed to provide compensation to individuals harmed by a common wrong.Though, they can be vulnerable to fraud. Scammers may attempt to file false claims using stolen identities or fabricated evidence. It’s crucial for administrators to verify claims meticulously to ensure legitimate victims receive their due compensation.

Pro Tip: if you receive notification of a class action settlement you believe you may be eligible for, verify the legitimacy of the claim process before submitting personal details. official settlement websites will typically have clear contact information and security measures.

Frequently Asked Questions about class Action Fraud

• What is class action fraud? Class action fraud occurs when individuals or groups submit false or inflated claims in class action settlements to receive unwarranted compensation.
• How do fraudsters obtain Social Security numbers? Fraudsters employ various tactics, including phishing scams, data breaches, and outright theft, to obtain Social security numbers and other personal identifiable information.
• what are the penalties for identity theft? Penalties for identity theft vary but can include notable fines and lengthy prison sentences, especially in cases involving large-scale fraud.
• How can I protect myself from class action settlement scams? Be cautious of unsolicited communications regarding settlements, verify the legitimacy of claim websites, and never share sensitive information without confirming the source.
• What is the role of class action administrators? Class action administrators are responsible for managing the settlement process,including verifying claims and distributing funds to eligible claimants.
• What happens if fraudulent claims are detected? Administrators are obligated to investigate suspicious claims and may report fraudulent activity to law enforcement.

Do you think stricter regulations are needed to prevent fraud in class action settlements? What steps can individuals take to better protect their personal information from potential misuse?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.

What specific evidence, beyond witness testimony, is being used to build the case against Jenkins, notably regarding the financial transactions involved in the alleged fraud?

The Allegations: Impersonation and Financial Exploitation

A man bearing a striking resemblance to baseball legend Babe Ruth has been formally charged with multiple counts of fraud in a case that has captivated the nation. Authorities allege that 62-year-old Arthur Jenkins, of Sarasota, Florida, systematically defrauded elderly individuals out of an estimated $500,000 over the past three years. The core of the scheme revolved around exploiting the victims’ nostalgia and admiration for the iconic slugger. Jenkins allegedly presented himself as a “retired entertainer” who frequently performed as Babe Ruth at private events, using the guise to gain trust and access to personal finances.

This isn’t simply a case of looking like a famous person; it’s a calculated instance of identity deception and elder financial abuse. The charges include wire fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Federal prosecutors are building a case centered on documented financial transactions and witness testimonies.

How the scheme Worked: Tactics and Targets

The examination reveals a sophisticated operation targeting vulnerable seniors. Jenkins’ methods were remarkably consistent:

Initial contact: He would initially approach victims at senior centers,assisted living facilities,or through social events geared towards retirees.

Building Rapport: Jenkins would leverage his physical resemblance to Babe Ruth, often engaging in conversations about baseball history and sharing fabricated anecdotes about “his career.” he’d frequently show photos – some genuine historical images of Ruth, others digitally altered to include himself.

The “Investment Opportunity”: Once trust was established,Jenkins would pitch a series of bogus investment opportunities,promising high returns with minimal risk. These ranged from purported real estate ventures to claims of funding a Babe Ruth museum.

Financial Extraction: Victims were pressured to liquidate savings, take out loans, or even remortgage their homes to participate in these fraudulent schemes. Funds were then diverted to personal accounts controlled by Jenkins.

Maintaining the Illusion: Jenkins actively worked to maintain the illusion, often appearing in character at social gatherings and reinforcing the narrative of a prosperous, yet humble, entertainer.

Keywords: fraudulent schemes, elder abuse, investment scams, impersonation fraud, financial exploitation.

The Role of Digital Evidence in the Investigation

The FBI’s investigation heavily relied on digital forensics. Key evidence includes:

1. Bank Records: Detailed analysis of Jenkins’ bank accounts revealed a pattern of deposits matching the amounts defrauded from victims.
2. Social Media Activity: Investigators uncovered a network of fake social media profiles used by Jenkins to promote his “Babe Ruth” persona and solicit potential investors.
3. Email Communications: Recovered emails demonstrated Jenkins’ purposeful attempts to mislead victims with false promises and fabricated documents.
4. Photo and Video Analysis: Forensic examination of photos and videos confirmed the use of digital manipulation to insert Jenkins into historical images with Babe Ruth.

This case highlights the increasing importance of digital evidence in prosecuting fraud cases. The ability to trace financial transactions and analyze online activity is crucial in uncovering and dismantling these types of schemes.

Legal Ramifications and Potential Penalties

Jenkins faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted on all charges. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. Wire and mail fraud each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Furthermore, prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of all assets obtained through the fraudulent scheme, including real estate, vehicles, and bank accounts. Victims are hoping to recover at least a portion of their lost funds through asset forfeiture proceedings.

Related Search Terms: fraud penalties, identity theft laws, elder fraud prosecution, federal fraud charges.

Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones: Fraud Prevention Tips

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of seniors to financial exploitation. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Never invest in anything based solely on a cold call or unsolicited email.

Verify Credentials: Always independently verify the credentials of anyone offering financial advice or investment opportunities. Check with regulatory agencies like the SEC or FINRA.

don’t Be Pressured: Legitimate investment opportunities don’t require immediate decisions. Take your time and consult with trusted advisors.

* Protect Personal Information: Be