The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, is expected to plead not guilty to bank and tax fraud charges in a plea deal negotiated with federal prosecutors. Mizuhara allegedly stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off sports gambling debts, at times impersonating the baseball player to bankers. Despite the allegations, there is no evidence that Ohtani was involved in or aware of Mizuhara’s gambling activities, and he is cooperating with investigators. Mizuhara’s arraignment is set for Tuesday in federal court in Los Angeles, where he will enter a not guilty plea as a procedural step before eventually pleading guilty at a later date.
Ohtani, who was forced to leave a recent game due to back tightness, is having an outstanding season with 11 home runs and a National League-best .352 batting average. Mizuhara’s plea agreement stipulates that he will be required to pay Ohtani restitution potentially totaling $17 million and over $1 million to the IRS. The bank fraud charge he faces carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, while the false tax return charge carries a sentence of up to three years. Mizuhara’s gambling activities resulted in a net loss of nearly $41 million, with winning bets totaling over $142 million and losing bets around $183 million.
Despite being free on a signature bond, meaning he did not have to put up any cash or collateral for his release, Mizuhara must abide by certain conditions, including undergoing gambling addiction treatment. The news of the prosecution broke in late March, leading to the Dodgers firing the interpreter and MLB opening an investigation. MLB rules prohibit players and team employees from wagering on baseball, even legally, as well as betting on other sports with illegal or offshore bookmakers. Ohtani has been focusing on his performance on the field as the case progresses through the courts, recently tying Hideki Matsui for the most home runs by a Japan-born player in MLB during a game against the San Diego Padres.
The case involving Mizuhara and Ohtani highlights the serious consequences of financial fraud and gambling addiction, particularly within the sports industry. Despite Ohtani’s innocence in the matter, the situation has raised concerns about the potential exploitation of athletes by individuals with ulterior motives. The plea deal negotiated by Mizuhara with federal prosecutors indicates his acknowledgment of wrongdoing and willingness to face the legal repercussions of his actions. As the court proceedings unfold, Ohtani continues to excel in his baseball career, demonstrating resilience and focus amidst the distractions caused by the case. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the extent of Mizuhara’s accountability and the restitution owed to Ohtani for the financial losses incurred due to the fraud scheme.
