Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, faces sentencing on federal charges related to stealing nearly $17 million from the athlete. Mizuhara admitted to fraudulently transferring funds from Ohtani's account to pay his gambling debts and faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Ippei Mizuhara , the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star Shohei Ohtani , faces sentencing on Thursday on federal charges related to stealing nearly $17 million from the athlete. Mizuhara admitted to fraudulently transferring funds from Ohtani's account over two years to pay his gambling debts. He impersonated Ohtani in calls to the bank on numerous occasions.
Prosecutors described the scheme as 'deep' and 'extensive' fraud, stating that Ohtani suffered 'substantial harm' due to Mizuhara's actions. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, carrying a maximum sentence of 30 years, and one count of subscribing to a false tax return, with a maximum sentence of three years. A probation officer recommended a 48-month sentence. As a permanent resident of the U.S., Mizuhara also faces the risk of deportation to Japan upon completion of his federal sentence.In a letter to Judge John Holcomb, Mizuhara requested a 'merciful and not punitive' sentence, explaining his motivations for the fraud. He cited mounting financial stress that led him to use an online sports betting website run by Mathew Bowyer in 2021. He claimed ignorance about the website's illegality until early 2024. Mizuhara wrote that his gambling debt escalated beyond control, leaving him with no options but to use Ohtani's money. He expressed deep guilt but stated this was the only solution he could think of at the time.Mizuhara also detailed the demanding nature of his off-season work for Ohtani, including driving him to training, taking his dog to the vet, and fixing his bicycle, claiming 'almost no true days off.' He felt underpaid but was afraid to speak up due to his one-year contracts. Mizuhara expressed his desire to help others struggling with gambling problems and outlined the impact a prison sentence would have on his wife. He stated his understanding of the gravity of his actions and his willingness to accept the consequences. He concluded his letter by appealing for mercy from the court in regards to his sentencing.Mizuhara's attorney requested an 18-month sentence, emphasizing the interpreter's dedication to his work and arguing that his actions stemmed from a 'longstanding gambling addiction' exacerbated by his demanding job and exposure to high-stakes bookmakers in the world of professional athletes. Prosecutors, however, countered with a 57-month sentence, disputing the defense's claims about the extent of Mizuhara's gambling problem and financial difficulties. They stated that they found no evidence of a long-standing addiction and argued that Mizuhara's alleged debt did not justify stealing millions from Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani Ippei Mizuhara MLB Gambling Fraud Sentencing Los Angeles Dodgers
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