Former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case where he allegedly stole $16 million from Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani to pay off his own debts.
Mizuhara exploited his personal and professional relationship with Ohtani to steal money from his account, sometimes impersonating Ohtani to deceive bankers. Mizuhara’s winning bets amounted to over $142 million, which he deposited into his own account, but his losses totaled around $183 million.
The former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud Wednesday and could face more than 30 years in prison.
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Ohtani was not involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling activities and is cooperating with investigators. The scandal became public in March, leading to Mizuhara’s termination by the Dodgers and an investigation by Major League Baseball (MLB). MLB prohibits players and team employees from betting on baseball or other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers. Mizuhara has been released on an unsecured bond but will be liable for $25,000 if he violates bond conditions.
Ohtani has remained focused on his on-field performance and recently tied the record for the most home runs by a Japan-born player. The case against Mizuhara is ongoing, and he faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
He has agreed to plead guilty to bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return. Mizuhara will also have to pay restitution to Ohtani. Mizuhara’s actions have been described as a “massive theft” that took advantage of Ohtani and fueled his own gambling habit.
Ohtani and Mizuhara formed a close friendship beyond their working relationship, and the scandal has not affected Ohtani’s performance on the field. Mizuhara’s guilty plea aligns with Ohtani’s version of events, indicating that Ohtani was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling and was a victim of theft.
Ohtani is an exceptional player who excels at both pitching and hitting, and he recently signed a significant deal with the Dodgers.
Mizuhara’s plea agreement includes admissions of various fraudulent actions, such as making unauthorized transfers out of Ohtani’s account and using Ohtani’s personal information to deceive the bank. Mizuhara also faces charges related to subscribing to a false tax return. The Dodgers fired Mizuhara in March, and he is set to enter his plea in the coming weeks.
Ohtani has cooperated fully with the investigation, and the MLB considers him a victim in this case.
Fans reacted as follows:
Best fall guy in sports
— St. Louis Cardinals Coverage (@stlcardscov) May 8, 2024
"Shocking"
— Brett Burkard (@BurkardBrett02) May 8, 2024
That was fast..lol
— SCminusSJWEsq. (@SCminus) May 8, 2024
bestfriend award goes to this guy
— Philly Joe (@2_downing) May 8, 2024
correction: he’s going to get deported most likely
— Nathanツ (@nathansprague_) May 8, 2024
Shohei betting the farm on over 30 years.
— Ryan Weiss (@ryanweiss1225) May 8, 2024
Man, what a fall guy friend. Can’t have the $700 million dollar man go to jail!
— Michael Klein (@mespn520) May 8, 2024
This is still sketchy……
— Liz (@Liz082208) May 8, 2024
Can’t wait for the 30 for 30 of this
— Franklin Clinton III (@skyelab79) May 8, 2024
I wouldn’t bet on him getting 30 years @HalosInfield
— Marty Boylan (@Aussie27USA) May 8, 2024
He deserves that. What goes around comes around.
— B-Cat (@Coco02112001) May 8, 2024
Don't want to have to present actual evidence in this one lol. I'll say he gets less than 3 years and finds about 10 mil under a table somewhere 🙂
— Oppenrooster (@redrooster69c) May 8, 2024
