The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud, confessing to stealing almost $17 million from the Japanese baseball player to settle his sports betting debts.
Ippei Mizuhara’s actions shocked the baseball world, tarnishing his reputation as Ohtani’s companion at stadiums across the U.S. He entered his guilty plea on Tuesday in federal court in Santa Ana, California.
The ex-interpreter took advantage of his personal and professional connection with Ohtani to embezzle millions from the player’s account over several years, sometimes pretending to be Ohtani to bankers. Mizuhara signed a plea agreement outlining the accusations on May 5, which was later announced by prosecutors.
Despite winning bets amounting to over $142 million that he deposited in his bank account, not Ohtani’s, his losses totaled around $183 million, resulting in a net loss of nearly $41 million. His bets did not involve baseball.
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Mizuhara pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of submitting a false tax return. The bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, while the false tax return charge carries a sentence of up to three years. The sentencing hearing is set for Oct. 25.
He is also obligated to pay restitution to Ohtani, which may total almost $17 million, and over $1 million to the IRS. These amounts, however, could change before the sentencing.
Mizuhara’s plea deal was reached with prosecutors before his arraignment in federal court in Los Angeles in mid-May. Initially, he was charged with one count of bank fraud.
Authorities stated there was no evidence that Ohtani was complicit in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling, and the player cooperated with investigators.
