Progress in Shohei Ohtani Case

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

A die-hard fan of the Patriots, Matt Speakman is an expert on everything related to sports betting and DFS sites. Over the years, he has proven a valuable asset for our team at online-gambling.com. You can find Speakman's professional tips and tricks in any of his many articles on the website.

• Twitter
• Email

More About Matt Speakman

Last updated: May 8, 2024

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter to Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in the ongoing case against him. Mizuhara came under fire for incidents that occurred during his tenure with Ohtani, current designated hitter for the LA Dodgers.

The two counts that the accused will plead guilty to at the May 14 arraignment concern bank fraud and inaccurate tax returns. It is believed that the interpreter stole almost $17 million from Ohtani while they were working together.

This information was made available via a press release from the US Attorney’s office. Though Mizuhara is Japanese-American and both men were born in Japan, their work is with the States and the alleged crimes occurred in California, which is why the case is being handled by the US District Court for the Central District of California.

What is at stake for Mizuhara?

Mizuhara, who met Ohtani while interpreting for others on baseball teams and who gained attention for his close relationship with the star, faces grave consequences for the crimes he is accused of. All in all, he could be sentenced to as much as 33 years in prison.

In addition to a prison term, Mizuhara may be required to pay hefty fines which could total $1.25 million. Though Mizuhara will plead guilty, and prosecutors will attempt to advocate a lower sentence from the court, it is uncertain what the outcome of the trial will be.

The difference between restitution and fines

Those thinking that Mizuhara will be in the clear after paying the estimated $1.25 million in fines are mistaken. In this case, the fines demanded are the punishment for breaking the laws he is accused of trespassing. In addition, Mizuhara must also pay restitution; in other words, he must pay back the amount that was allegedly taken from Ohtani.

This is the amount totaling nearly $17 million, which is believed to have been taken starting September 2021 and up until March 2024.

Why and how did Mizuhara steal from Ohtani?

Mizuhara had access to Ohtani and therefore possibly also his intimate details, given the close nature of their working relationship. However, an easy opportunity is not the only reason for this crime. Mizuhara apparently used the money to pay off massive illegal gambling debts due to a sports betting habit.

Mizuhara slowly paved the way for his eventual fraud, helping Ohtani with more and more tasks aside from interpreting. Crucially, his responsibilities included helping him to set up a US bank account as far back as 2018. He kept the personal details and lied about Ohtani denying access to the account to other advisors that were working for him at the time.

Tax fraud and an illegal betting

In addition to this massive embezzlement from Ohtani, Mizuhara’s records have shown that he was dishonest about his income in IRS filings. An IRS criminal investigation is also underway with Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher assigned to the case.

In terms of his gambling addiction, Mizuhara became involved in betting through an unlicensed, private bookmaker. Over the course of only 30 months, the interpreter won $142.3 million and lost $182.9 million, for a total of $40.7 million in losses.