Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, has pleaded guilty to bank fraud in relation to stealing nearly $17 million from the star player in order to cover gambling debts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Mizuhara, 39, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum of 30 years in prison, and one count of subscribing to a false tax return, which carries up to three years in prison, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. “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 throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice.”
Shohei Ohtani with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara during a press conference at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Dec. 14, 2023.
Aude Guerrucci/Reuters, FILE
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