In a shocking turn of events, Ippei Mizuhara, the long-time interpreter and close confidant of baseball star Shohei Ohtani, has admitted guilt in a fraud case. Mizuhara siphoned off a sum of nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover his own illegal gambling debts.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has formally concluded its investigation into the betting allegations surrounding Mizuhara, following his admission of guilt on charges of bank and tax fraud. Mizuhara had been working with Ohtani since his days with the Angels and during his first spring training with the Dodgers.
During a hearing at a federal court in Santa Ana, California, Mizuhara admitted to transferring large sums of money from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off his gambling debts. As a result of his actions, Mizuhara could face up to 33 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for October 25th.
Following Mizuhara’s guilty plea, the MLB issued a statement considering Ohtani as a victim of fraud. The Dodgers, who had signed Ohtani to a record 10-year, $700 million contract, expressed relief that the team and Shohei could finally put this incident behind them and focus on their goal of winning the World Series.
In March, after Ohtani’s lawyers accused Mizuhara of a “massive theft” from the superstar to pay off bets with a supposedly illegal bookmaker, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara and the MLB’s Department of Investigations began its probe. Despite the accusations, no evidence was found that Ohtani was aware of Mizuhara’s gambling activities or that his bank account was used to pay off the debts.
Federal prosecutor Martin Estrada emphasized during an April press conference that Ohtani is considered a victim in this case.
