Baseball star Shohei Ohtani is seeking the return of valuable baseball cards from his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who allegedly used Ohtani's money to purchase them fraudulently. Court documents filed on Tuesday reveal that Mizuhara accessed Ohtani's bank account and made unauthorized purchases of approximately $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online resellers eBay and Whatnot.
Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani, is facing serious legal consequences. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January after admitting to using Ohtani's funds for gambling, debts, medical bills, and the purchase of baseball cards. The crimes he committed could result in a potential sentence of over 30 years in federal prison, along with substantial restitution to Ohtani and the IRS. Additionally, as a legal permanent resident, Mizuhara may face deportation to Japan.
Mizuhara had a close relationship with Ohtani, having been present for many of the baseball star's career milestones. Despite their friendship and professional connection, Mizuhara's actions have led to significant legal repercussions. He reportedly gambled millions of dollars on various sports, excluding baseball, resulting in financial losses and legal troubles.
Ohtani, on the other hand, achieved success on the baseball field, winning the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and earning his third Most Valuable Player award. The legal battle between Ohtani and Mizuhara underscores the importance of trust and financial integrity in professional relationships, highlighting the consequences of fraudulent behavior and financial misconduct.
