On February 6th, a former interpreter was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for embezzling $17 million from Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani to settle gambling debts, as per a court document.
Ippei Mizuhara, who previously worked as a translator and unofficial manager for the Japanese power-hitter, received a sentence of four years and nine months, along with an order by U.S. District Judge John Holcomb to repay over $18 million in restitution. Michael Freedman, Mizuhara's lawyer, declined to comment.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Joseph McNally, stated that Mizuhara had "exploited this dream job to steal millions of dollars from his friend and confidant."
Mizuhara, aged 40, had pleaded guilty last year to felony bank fraud and falsely reporting his income in a plea deal in U.S. District Court, Los Angeles.
Allegations claim that Mizuhara diverted nearly $17 million from a bank account of Ohtani's, established by Mizuhara in Phoenix in 2018, and transferred the money to an illegal gambling operation without Ohtani's consent to cover his own debts.
No wrongdoing by Ohtani has been suggested; he stated he was unaware of the theft and has never placed bets or knowingly transacted with a bookmaker. Ohtani signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers last season, making him the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball. His dual talents as a slugger and pitcher have drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth.