Shohei Ohtani ‘s one-time interpreter is set to appear in a Southern California courtroom on Thursday and learn his punishment for stealing millions of dollars from the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar to pay off gambling losses.
Ippei Mizuhara last year pleaded guilty to single counts of bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return, in connection to his siphoning of nearly $17 millions of dollars from Ohtani’s bank account.
The money was used for gambling and to purchase $325,000 worth of valuable baseball cards, prosecutors and Ohtani’s legal team have said.
Prosecutors have made it clear from the start that they believe Ohtani was never anything more than a crime victim and that he never bet on baseball.
“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 said in court documents.
On paper, Mizuhara could face up to the 30 years behind bars — though federal prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months.
Defense lawyer Michael G. Freedman said Mizuhara is a gambling addict who made a “terrible mistake” and is now taking responsibility.
The defense is asking for a sentence of 1 1/2 years in prison. Mizuhara, who was born in Japan and moved to the United States as a child, could be deported after completing his term.
“I am asking for a little mercy from the court concerning my sentence you will hand down,” Mizuhara wrote to the court.
“I truly admire Shohei as a baseball player and a human being and I was committed to devote my life so Shohei can be the best version of himself on the field. I want to say I am truly sorry for violating his trust in me.”
Word of a federal probe into Mizuhara’s possible links to gamblers cast a pall on Dodgers’ 2024 opening games, played in Seoul. Mizuhara was in the Dodgers dugout for that first game before he was fired by the team.
Ohtani and the Dodgers went on to win World Series seven months later, staging their first victory parade since 1988.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed.
