Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced to prison for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's bank account to pay off gambling debts. Prosecutors argued that Mizuhara's actions went beyond gambling and were motivated by greed, citing his use of stolen funds for personal expenses and failure to repay Ohtani when he won money from his bookie. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return. Ohtani's reputation and goodwill were also significantly harmed by Mizuhara's actions.
Shohei Ohtani 's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara , was sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star's bank account to pay off illegal gambling debts. The court also ordered Mizuhara to pay restitution of over $18.1 million. Mizuhara pleaded guilty in June to one federal count each of bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return.
Prosecutors argued that Mizuhara's actions went beyond gambling and into greed, pointing to his use of stolen funds for personal expenses like purchasing $325,000 worth of baseball cards and even using Ohtani's debit card to pay for his own dental work. They also highlighted that when Mizuhara won money from his bookie, Mathew Bowyer, he wired it to his personal account instead of repaying Ohtani. Mizuhara's scheme lasted for years, with him gaining access to Ohtani's bank account in September 2021 and changing contact information to his own devices. He even impersonated Ohtani when bank officials called to authorize wire transfers to Bowyer's associates. Prosecutors argued that Mizuhara's actions not only caused financial harm but also severely damaged Ohtani's reputation and goodwill. They pointed out that despite authorities' efforts to clear Ohtani's name, some public figures continued to question his lack of awareness about the mismanaged account. Online platforms even sold merchandise that turned Ohtani into a meme, suggesting his involvement in the criminal activity. Prosecutors emphasized that Ohtani, who didn't speak English, relied on Mizuhara for communication with the outside world, including his financial advisors. Mizuhara, however, lied to his agents and financial advisors, preventing them from protecting Ohtani.While Mizuhara cooperated with authorities and pleaded guilty early in the process, prosecutors dismissed his claim of a long-standing gambling addiction, citing a lack of evidence. They also refuted his claim of being financially strained, highlighting his $250,000 annual salary in 2023 and $85,000 in 2022 while simultaneously stealing millions from Ohtani. Prosecutors stated that Mizuhara had no loans, car payments, or rent expenses, adding that Ohtani even provided him with a Porsche to use. Mizuhara will likely be deported after serving his prison sentence
Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers Bank Fraud Gambling Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Prison Sentence Restitution
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shohei Ohtani's Former Associate Admits to Stealing Nearly $17 MillionShohei Ohtani's former business associate, admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the superstar baseball player to pay off gambling debts. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Prosecutors allege that Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani to wire money from his account.
Read more »
Ohtani's Former Interpreter Sentenced for $17 Million FraudIppei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, faces nearly five years in prison for stealing almost $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player. Prosecutors presented an audio recording where Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani while attempting a $200,000 bank transfer for a car loan. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud and is also facing restitution to Ohtani and a penalty to the IRS.
Read more »
Former Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Faces Nearly Five Years in Prison for $17 Million TheftIppei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani, is facing a nearly five-year prison sentence and $18.1 million in restitution after pleading guilty to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. Prosecutors presented new evidence, including an audio recording where Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani to secure a $200,000 wire transfer.
Read more »
Former Ohtani Interpreter Faces Prison for Stealing $17 MillionIppei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, is facing a nearly five-year prison sentence for stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star. Mizuhara used his access to Ohtani's bank account to authorize wire transfers for his personal gain, including gambling debts, medical bills, and the purchase of baseball cards.
Read more »
Former Interpreter for Shohei Ohtani Set to Be Sentenced for Stealing \$17 MillionIppei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, faces sentencing for bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly \$17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player's bank account. Mizuhara exploited the language barrier to isolate Ohtani and profit from his proximity to the two-way player's power. He pleaded guilty to siphoning money from Ohtani's account to cover sports gambling debts.
Read more »
Shohei Ohtani's Former Interpreter Faces Prison for $17 Million FraudIppei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani, is scheduled to be sentenced for bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's bank account. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for Mizuhara, who exploited the language barrier to isolate Ohtani and profit from his proximity.
Read more »