Ohtani’s former interpreter sentenced to prison for multi-million dollar theft

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced today to nearly five years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from the baseball star to fund his gambling addiction. Mizuhara pleaded guilty last year to bank and tax fraud, admitting to a scheme that saw him pilfer almost $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.   

The sentencing took place in federal court in Santa Ana, where U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb handed down a sentence of four years and nine months. In addition to the prison term, Mizuhara was ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, with the vast majority going directly to Ohtani. He will also be subject to three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.   

Mizuhara’s betrayal of trust shocked the sports world. He was more than just an interpreter for Ohtani; he was a close friend and confidante, helping the Japanese superstar navigate the complexities of life in the United States. But behind the scenes, Mizuhara was secretly draining Ohtani’s finances to support his insatiable gambling habit.   

“The magnitude of the theft – $17 million – in my view, is shockingly high,” Judge Holcomb stated during the sentencing. He emphasized the gravity of Mizuhara’s actions, noting that the sum stolen was more than most people earn in a lifetime.

Mizuhara’s gambling debts spiraled out of control as he wagered on various sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. He even impersonated Ohtani in phone calls to the bank to authorize wire transfers, further compounding his fraudulent activities.

Ohtani, who was unaware of the theft until it was uncovered last year, expressed his shock and disappointment at Mizuhara’s betrayal. He emphasized that he had no involvement in any gambling activities and was solely focused on his baseball career.

The sentencing of Mizuhara brings a close to a painful chapter for Ohtani. While the financial loss is significant, the emotional toll of such a deep betrayal is immeasurable. As Ohtani continues his stellar career on the field, he can hopefully put this unfortunate incident behind him and focus on his passion for the game.

Mizuhara, on the other hand, will face the consequences of his actions. His prison sentence serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gambling addiction and the importance of honesty and integrity.