Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for his involvement in a fraud and gambling operation.
Mizuhara has been ordered to repay nearly $17 million that he stole from Ohtani, along with an additional $1 million owed to the IRS for unpaid taxes. Serving as Ohtani’s interpreter since the athlete’s MLB debut in 2018, Mizuhara was dismissed last year after reports surfaced about his gambling activities, which triggered an investigation into Ohtani’s financial accounts.
The investigation revealed that Mizuhara diverted almost $17 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts owed to a bookmaker in southern California. To conceal his actions, Mizuhara falsified tax records. He later pleaded guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud.
“Mr. Mizuhara held a position of trust that gave him influence, recognition, and a lucrative salary,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. “But instead of honouring that trust, he used it to steal millions from someone who considered him a friend.” McNally called the case “a cautionary tale of a promising career destroyed by greed and deceit.”
During the court proceedings in Santa Ana, California, Mizuhara appeared sombre, dressed in a dark suit with his hands folded as the judge delivered the sentence. When the ruling was announced, he remained expressionless.
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Before sentencing, Mizuhara issued an apology, saying, “I deeply regret my actions and extend my sincerest apologies to Mr. Ohtani. I know my apology cannot undo the damage, but I am ready to face the consequences of my mistakes.”
The fraud threatened to overshadow Ohtani’s career, raising questions about his potential involvement in the scheme. Initially, Mizuhara claimed Ohtani had been aware of his gambling problem and had loaned him money, a statement Ohtani first supported. However, Ohtani later clarified that this claim was false and part of Mizuhara’s deception, adding, “This entire situation has been a complete betrayal.”
In a statement released earlier, Ohtani expressed his shock and disappointment, saying, “It is deeply upsetting to learn that someone I trusted could commit such acts.”
The case has highlighted MLB’s strict rules on gambling, as well as California’s ban on sports betting, even though it is permitted in many other U.S. states.
Judge John Holcomb, in delivering the sentence, noted that Mizuhara will also serve three years of probation after his release. As part of his probation, Mizuhara must undergo continued treatment for his gambling addiction and submit to drug and alcohol testing. He has until March 24 to voluntarily surrender and begin his 57-month prison term.
Mizuhara, originally from Japan, may face deportation upon completing his sentence. When asked outside the courthouse if his client planned to appeal the decision, Mizuhara’s attorney declined to comment.
