Ex-Interpreter for Shohei Ohtani Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Millions in Theft Scandal
Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison and $18 Million in Restitution
The former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was sentenced to nearly five years in prison and ordered to pay millions in restitution Thursday for bank and tax fraud in the theft of nearly $17 million from the three-time Major League Baseball MVP’s bank account.
Ippei Mizuhara, 40, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $18 million. That figure includes restitution to Shohei Ohtani of $16,975,010 and to the IRS of $1,149,400. The sentence was largely in line with what prosecutors requested.
Three Years of Supervised Release
He also faces three years of supervised release.
Mizuhara’s Apology and Acceptance of Responsibility
Mizuhara, once part of the inner circle of one the world’s most famous athletes, appeared with his attorney about 40 minutes early for sentencing Thursday afternoon in Orange County. Mizuhara did not comment as he walked into the courthouse in Santa Ana.
At the sentencing hearing, Mizuhara said he is truly sorry and accepts responsibility for his crimes. He also apologized to Ohtani and his family, and the government, judge, and Dodgers.
“I am prepared to be punished and beg for your mercy,” Mizuhara said.
Background of the Case
Mizuhara pleaded guilty last year to bank and tax fraud. He was accused of stealing large amounts of money to cover his sports gambling bets and debts with an illegal bookmaker in Southern California. The money also was used to purchase $325,000 worth of valuable baseball cards, prosecutors and Ohtani’s legal team said.
“His behavior was shameless,” acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said Thursday outside court.
Mizuhara served as an interpreter between Ohtani and his English-speaking teammates and fans, but authorities said he took advantage of the baseball star’s trust that was built over the years as they traveled to ballparks throughout the United States. The Mizuhara case came to light as part of a larger investigation into illegal sports bookmaking organizations in Southern California and the laundering of proceeds through casinos in Las Vegas that has netted a dozen defendants.
Ohtani’s Involvement
Ohtani was an unknowing victim of the scheme, prosecutors said.
“Let there be no doubt, Mr. Ohtani is truly a victim and has suffered, and will continue to suffer, harm from defendant’s conduct,” prosecutors wrote in court filings.
Prosecutors accused Mizuhara of placing a staggering number of bets using money stolen from a longtime friend and one of the world’s most popular and well-paid athletes to support a “voracious appetite” for sports betting. The allegations against the Orange County man were outlined in a lengthy criminal complaint in support of federal bank fraud charges.
Conclusion
The case is a reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal gambling and the importance of responsible gambling practices. If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, please call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 to speak to a counselor. Help is also available via an online peer support forum at www.gamtalk.org, and additional resources can be found at NCPG website.
FAQs
Q: What was the total amount of money stolen from Shohei Ohtani’s bank account?
A: Nearly $17 million.
Q: How much restitution was Mizuhara ordered to pay?
A: $18 million.
Q: How long was Mizuhara sentenced to prison?
A: Four years and nine months.
Q: What was Mizuhara’s role in the case?
A: He served as an interpreter between Ohtani and his English-speaking teammates and fans.
Q: What was the purpose of the investigation?
A: To investigate illegal sports bookmaking organizations in Southern California and the laundering of proceeds through casinos in Las Vegas.
