The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is expected to plead not guilty to bank and tax fraud charges in a federal court in Los Angeles. Ippei Mizuhara is accused of stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover sports gambling debts over several years. Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to bankers and took advantage of their personal and professional relationship.
Mizuhara has negotiated a plea deal with federal prosecutors, which includes pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Despite the expected not guilty plea at the arraignment, Mizuhara is anticipated to plead guilty at a later date.
Authorities have clarified that there is no evidence linking Ohtani to Mizuhara's gambling activities, and Ohtani is cooperating with the investigation. Mizuhara's plea agreement stipulates that he must pay restitution to Ohtani, potentially totaling nearly $17 million, along with over $1 million to the IRS. The charges carry significant prison sentences if convicted.
Mizuhara's betting activities involved substantial amounts, with winnings exceeding $142 million and losses totaling around $183 million. He did not place bets on baseball games. Despite being free on bond, Mizuhara is required to undergo gambling addiction treatment as part of the conditions.
The news of the prosecution surfaced in late March, leading to the Dodgers terminating Mizuhara's employment and MLB launching its investigation. MLB regulations prohibit players and team personnel from betting on baseball, including legal wagers. Betting on other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers is also banned by MLB.
Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to focus on his performance on the field as the legal proceedings unfold. He recently achieved a milestone by hitting his 175th home run in MLB, tying Hideki Matsui for the most home runs by a Japan-born player during a game against the San Diego Padres.
