Shohei Ohtani's Former Interpreter Pleads Not Guilty in $17M Fraud Case

Ippei Mizuhara faces charges of bank fraud and false tax returns, with allegations of stealing millions to cover gambling debts.

Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to access his bank accounts and pay off gambling debts.
He has signed a plea agreement and is expected to plead guilty in the future.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy claims Ohtani knew about Mizuhara’s gambling addiction, which Ohtani denies.
Mizuhara's restitution could total $17 million to Ohtani and over $1 million to the IRS.
Ohtani is cooperating with investigators and maintains he never bet on sports.