Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is facing sentencing in a Southern California courtroom for stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar to pay off gambling debts. Mizuhara has pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax offenses related to the theft, which was used for gambling and buying valuable baseball cards. Prosecutors have emphasized that Ohtani was a victim in this crime and was not involved in any wrongdoing.
Mizuhara could face up to 30 years in prison, but prosecutors are seeking a sentence of four years and nine months. His defense is requesting a shorter sentence of 1 1/2 years and acknowledging his gambling addiction as a factor in his actions. Mizuhara, who could be deported after serving his sentence, has expressed remorse for betraying Ohtani’s trust.
The scandal surrounding Mizuhara’s theft and potential ties to gamblers had overshadowed the Dodgers’ 2024 season, but the team went on to win the World Series later that year. Mizuhara was fired by the team after the scandal came to light. Ohtani and the Dodgers celebrated their victory with a parade, marking their first win since 1988. This is a developing story, and updates may follow as the sentencing process unfolds.
