Judge orders former interpreter for Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, to undergo treatment for gambling addiction in sports betting case

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a shocking turn of events, former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, has been charged with federal bank fraud for crimes involving gambling debts and theft of millions of dollars from the Japanese sensation.

Prosecutors revealed that Mizuhara exploited his personal and professional relationship with Ohtani to siphon $16 million from the player’s bank account over the course of several years. He even went as far as impersonating Ohtani to bankers in order to cover his bets and debts.

During a court hearing, United States Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero ordered Mizuhara to undergo gambling addiction treatment and be released on an unsecured $25,000 bond. The former interpreter faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the bank fraud charge.

Mizuhara, who turned himself in ahead of his court appearance, appeared in court wearing a dark suit and a white collared shirt. He was shackled at the ankles but the judge approved his attorney’s request to remove the restraints.

The courtroom was packed with press, including a significant presence of Japanese media. Mizuhara’s attorney informed the judge that his client planned to undergo gambling addiction treatment voluntarily.

Prosecutors stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Ohtani was involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s illegal activities. Ohtani is said to be cooperating with investigators.

The scandal has rocked the baseball world, with Major League Baseball launching its own investigation and the Dodgers promptly firing Mizuhara upon learning of the allegations. Mizuhara is scheduled to be arraigned on May 9, where he will face the full extent of the charges against him.