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Former Dodgers Interpreter Jailed for Defrauding Shohei Ohtani
- Former Shohei Ohtani interpreter sentenced to nearly 5 years for embezzling $17M.
- Mizuhara stole money to pay gambling debts, falsified tax records, and bought autographed baseball cards.
- Ohtani initially misled the public but later clarified his involvement in the scheme was a lie.
Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud and gambling scheme.
Mizuhara was ordered to repay nearly $17 million (£13.6m) that he stole from Ohtani, along with an additional $1 million to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax fraud. His sentencing follows a high-profile investigation that uncovered his illicit activities, which included siphoning funds from Ohtani’s accounts to cover gambling debts owed to a California bookmaker.
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The 39-year-old, who had served as Ohtani’s English interpreter since the athlete’s Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2018, was fired last year when reports of his gambling surfaced, triggering an extensive probe into Ohtani’s finances.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Mizuhara falsified tax records to conceal his actions. He pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges.
“Mr. Mizuhara had a unique position of trust that gave him power, brought him fame, and paid him well,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. “Unfortunately, he exploited this dream job to steal millions of dollars from his friend and confidant.”
The sentencing took place in a Santa Ana, California courtroom, where Mizuhara appeared in a dark suit, hands folded in his lap, staring straight ahead as the judge delivered the ruling. He remained motionless as the verdict was announced.
Before receiving his 57-month sentence, Mizuhara expressed remorse for his actions.
“I am truly sorry to Mr. Ohtani for what I have done. I know an apology will not fix the crime I committed,” he said. “This mistake will impact me for the rest of my life, and I’m prepared to accept the consequences.”
The scandal initially raised questions about Ohtani’s potential involvement in the scheme. Mizuhara had claimed the baseball star was aware of his gambling debts and had willingly loaned him money—a statement Ohtani initially confirmed before retracting, later asserting that Mizuhara had lied to him and misused his trust.
Ohtani, one of baseball’s biggest global icons, largely remained silent throughout the scandal but issued a statement in March, saying: “I am very saddened and shocked that someone I trusted has done this.”
MLB has strict regulations against sports betting, and gambling remains illegal in California, though it is permitted in 38 other U.S. states.
Judge John Holcomb ruled that after Mizuhara completes his prison term, he will be placed on three years of probation, during which he must undergo drug and alcohol testing as well as continued treatment for his gambling addiction.
Mizuhara has been granted a 45-day surrender period and is scheduled to begin his sentence on March 24. He could also face deportation to Japan following his release.
Beyond the stolen funds, Mizuhara used Ohtani’s money to purchase several autographed baseball cards worth approximately $325,000. Ohtani has since petitioned a federal judge to claim ownership of these items as part of the financial recovery process.
Mizuhara also admitted to underreporting $4.1 million in income on his 2022 tax return, resulting in unpaid taxes totaling approximately $1.15 million, plus penalties and interest.
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His sentencing had been delayed multiple times, first from October—when it would have coincided with the Dodgers’ World Series run—then again in December to allow for a forensic psychiatric evaluation of his gambling addiction. His legal team cited this assessment in a bid for leniency, highlighting his cooperation with authorities and his efforts to seek treatment.
During a previous court appearance, Mizuhara acknowledged his actions and their devastating impact.
“I deeply regret my actions and the harm I have caused to Mr Ohtani and his family,” Mizuhara said. “I let my personal issues spiral out of control, and I betrayed the trust of someone who gave me everything.”
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