Former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter charged with federal bank fraud for stealing millions from Shohei Ohtani
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been charged with federal bank fraud for crimes involving gambling debts and theft of millions of dollars from the slugger. Ippei Mizuhara exploited his personal and professional relationship with Ohtani to plunder $16 million from the two-way player’s bank account for years, prosecutors said.
Mizuhara, who turned himself in ahead of his initial court appearance, was ordered by a federal judge to be released on $25,000 bond and undergo gambling addiction treatment. The former interpreter faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the bank fraud charge.
During his court appearance, Mizuhara, dressed in a dark suit and white collared shirt, answered the judge’s questions and had his ankles shackled, which were later removed at his attorney’s request. The hearing, which lasted about 10 minutes, was attended by a large number of Japanese media outlets.
Prosecutors stated that there was no evidence of Ohtani’s involvement in or awareness of Mizuhara’s gambling activities, and Ohtani is said to be cooperating with investigators. The Dodgers immediately fired Mizuhara after the news of the federal investigation broke.
Mizuhara’s winning bets totaled over $142 million, but his losing bets amounted to around $183 million, resulting in a net loss of nearly $41 million. In a message to his illegal bookmaker, Mizuhara expressed remorse, stating, “Technically I did steal from him. it’s all over for me.”
Major League Baseball has launched its own investigation into the matter following the controversy. Mizuhara is scheduled to be arraigned on May 9, and if he violates the conditions of his bond, he will be required to pay the $25,000.