Yesterday, MLB and sports betting enthusiasts finally got the verdict for the infamous Ippei Mizuhara Sports Betting Embezzlement case. At the end of the trial, Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Gets 5 years in Jail for Embezzling over $17 million. The money was used to pay off bookmakers for his gambling debts an to buy baseball cards.
Ippei Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison and additionally mandated to pay over $18 million in restitution, primarily to Ohtani, with the remainder allocated to the Internal Revenue Service.
On Thursday, federal judge, John W. Holcomb in a Southern California courtroom determined that Mizuhara must self-surrender by March 24. Furthermore, he is to serve three years of supervised release following the completion of his prison term.
Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Get 5 years in Jail for $17 Million Gambling Fraud
Mizuhara, who served as Ohtani’s English interpreter since the athlete’s debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2018, was dismissed following media reports regarding his sports betting activities, which led to investigations into Ohtani’s financial matters.
An investigation uncovered that Mizuhara embezzled nearly $17 million from Ohtani to settle debts with a bookmaker in Southern California. He subsequently falsified tax records to conceal his misconduct and pleaded guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud.
“Mr. Mizuhara occupied a unique position of trust that afforded him power, fame, and substantial financial compensation,” stated Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Regrettably, he took advantage of this opportunity to steal millions from his friend and confidant.”
“This narrative represents a tragic downfall of an American success story—so severe that Mr. Mizuhara will face years of imprisonment.”
According to Bookie Pay per head news, prior to his sentencing, he expressed remorse for his actions.
“I sincerely apologize to Mr. Ohtani for my wrongdoing. I understand that an apology cannot rectify the crime I committed,” he remarked. “This error will affect me for the remainder of my life, and I am ready to face the consequences.”
Major League Baseball has cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing
The fraudulent scheme posed a significant threat to Ohtani’s career, as he is currently one of the most prominent global figures in baseball, raising concerns about his potential involvement in the gambling activities.
Initially, Mizuhara asserted that Ohtani was aware of his gambling addiction and had lent him money—a statement that Ohtani initially corroborated. However, he later clarified that his remarks to the media were inaccurate and part of Mizuhara’s deception, stating, “all of this has been a complete lie.”
When the gambling allegations first came out last year, Mizuhara confessed to impersonating Ohtani in order to misappropriate funds, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately $40 million from December 2021 to January 2024. Ohtani has denied any participation in the fraudulent scheme, while Mizuhara acknowledged that he did not have the two-way star’s consent to utilize his funds to settle his debts.
In June 2024, Major League Baseball stated, “In light of the comprehensive federal investigation that has been disclosed, the data gathered by MLB, and the resolution of the criminal proceedings without contestation, MLB regards Shohei Ohtani as a victim of fraud, and this issue has been concluded.”
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