The U.S. Justice Department announced in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday that Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for L.A. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, faces federal charges over allegations he stole millions from MLB’s highest-paid player in a gambling scheme.
Mizuhara has been charged with bank fraud for allegedly stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani to “finance his voracious appetite for illegal sports betting,” U.S. attorney Martin Estrada said during a press briefing.
“Mr. Mizuhara had access to that bank account and he refused to give access to Mr. Ohthani’s other professional advisors, including his agent, his accountant and his financial advisor,” Estrada said. “The evidence we’ve gathered over the past few weeks has demonstrated that in total, Mr. Mizuhara stole over $16 million from Mr. Ohtani’s account in order to pay for these illegal sports bets.”
Mizuhara served as Ohtani’s interpreter after Ohtani came to the U.S. in 2018 to play baseball. Estrada says Mizuhara “acted as Mr. Ohtani’s de facto manager.”
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I'm grateful for the opportunity to engage with such a diverse group of individuals. It's broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined.?
I feel sorry for Shohei Othani.
Where my spec ops psychologist homie at?