Ippei Mizuhara, the ex-interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, faces charges of embezzling millions and using the funds to cover gambling debts.
Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, is expected to enter a guilty plea on charges of bank fraud and filing a false tax return, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.
Mizuhara is accused of embezzling millions of dollars from Ohtani and allegedly using the money to cover gambling debts. He will formally enter the plea at some point in the next few weeks and is scheduled for arraignment on May 14, as per the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Mizuhara's actions, stating, "He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit. My office is committed to vindicating victims."
Federal authorities estimate that Mizuhara stole approximately $17 million. As part of the plea agreement, he will be required to pay full restitution to Ohtani.
Federal investigators filed a complaint against Mizuhara on April 11. He turned himself in to law enforcement the following day, the Department of Justice confirmed.
Estrada noted that Mizuhara was deeply involved in Ohtani's life and career, becoming his "de facto manager." This role allowed Mizuhara to withdraw money from Ohtani's account, even lying and impersonating Ohtani to bank employees, to finance his illegal sports betting.
ESPN reports that Mizuhara wired payments to Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Orange County," who is alleged to have operated the account Mizuhara wired money to for their real estate projects. Matthew Bowyer is the alleged illegal bookmaker under investigation in this case.
Shohei Ohtani publicly addressed the scandal in late March, denying any involvement in sports betting or repaying a $4.5 million gambling debt, as claimed by Mizuhara.
Ohtani expressed shock and sadness over the betrayal, stating, "It's hard to verbalize how I'm feeling. I'm saddened and shocked that someone I trusted has done this."
A sentencing date for Mizuhara has not been set. The case remains under investigation, and further developments are expected.
