Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Faces Sentencing After $17M Fraud

Ippei Mizuhara pleads guilty to defrauding the MLB star, citing gambling addiction and demanding work conditions as contributing factors.

Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the MLB player to cover gambling debts, pleading guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return.
Prosecutors recommend a 57-month prison sentence, while Mizuhara’s defense seeks an 18-month term, citing his gambling addiction and mental health struggles as mitigating factors.
Mizuhara claimed he was overworked and underpaid in his role, handling extensive personal and professional tasks for Ohtani, often working around the clock and earning $500,000 annually by 2024.
Prosecutors argue Mizuhara’s actions were motivated by greed, highlighting his use of stolen funds for personal expenses like baseball cards and dental work, unrelated to gambling debts.
The sentencing, scheduled for February 6, also raises concerns about Mizuhara’s probable deportation to Japan, where he may face further scrutiny and limited employment opportunities.