Ohtani’s Previous Interpreter in Talks for Guilty Plea: New York Times
Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter who worked closely with Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani, is reportedly in discussions with federal prosecutors regarding a potential guilty plea, as per information from the New York Times.
According to the Times, drawing from insights provided by three sources briefed on the matter, Mizuhara is anticipated to admit guilt in connection with allegations of utilizing an illicit bookmaker to place sports bets, accumulating substantial debts amounting to millions of dollars. These debts purportedly were subsequently settled using funds misappropriated from the bank account of the reigning American League MVP.
Mizuhara’s association with the Dodgers came to an abrupt end after federal investigators linked him to an ongoing probe concerning the alleged bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, a resident of Orange County.
It’s imperative to note that any form of baseball betting is strictly prohibited by MLB regulations, which extend to the use of illegal bookmakers or offshore gambling websites. Furthermore, sports wagering within California remains illegal, lacking legalization within the state’s framework.
Shohei Ohtani has adamantly asserted his lack of awareness regarding his interpreter and close confidant’s gambling debts or the misapplication of his funds to settle them.
Initially described as a victim of substantial theft, with an estimated sum of $4.5 million allegedly stolen, Ohtani’s losses may potentially exceed this figure, according to recent revelations by the New York Times.
The report indicates that authorities suspect Mizuhara tampered with Ohtani’s bank account settings to suppress transaction alerts and confirmations, potentially facilitating the misappropriation of funds.
The scandal emerged shortly after Ohtani inked a historic 10-year, $700 million contract, marking the most lucrative deal in professional sports history.
Mizuhara, aged 39, reportedly granted an exclusive interview to ESPN, wherein he purportedly admitted to utilizing Ohtani’s funds to settle his debts, initially claiming that the baseball superstar had extended the offer voluntarily. However, subsequent retractions ensued, with Ohtani unequivocally refuting Mizuhara’s assertions during a press conference at Dodger Stadium.
Once celebrated as a formidable partnership in American sports, Ohtani and Mizuhara’s bond now faces severe strain amid the allegations of financial misconduct.
Further scrutiny has been directed toward Mizuhara’s background and credentials, with discrepancies emerging regarding his educational and professional history.
Diamond Bar High School has confirmed Mizuhara’s attendance, but the assertion of his graduation from UC Riverside has been disputed by the university. Moreover, claims of Mizuhara’s role as a translator for Hideki Okajima during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox have been refuted by the team.
Both Mizuhara and Bowyer find themselves under the lens of criminal investigation by multiple federal agencies, including the IRS, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Major League Baseball has initiated its own inquiry into Mizuhara’s alleged involvement in sports gambling activities, examining Ohtani’s role in the matter.
Ohtani has pledged full cooperation with any investigations related to Mizuhara’s illicit activities, while the Dodgers organization has urged him to concentrate on the ongoing baseball season, allowing legal proceedings to run their course, as anticipated by the New York Times.
