Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud during an appearance in federal court on Tuesday morning.
Mizuhara additionally admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star in order to pay off gambling debts incurred while participating in illegal sports betting with a Southern California bookmaker.
Mizuhara now faces a maximum of 33 years in federal prison between the two charges, along with hefty fines. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25.
Because he is not a U.S. citizen, Mizuhara faces the possibility of being deported after completing his sentence, via Alden Gonzalez of ESPN:
Mizuhara is not a U.S. citizen and faces “significant immigration consequences,” including “a risk of deportation,” Estrada said Tuesday. Any consequences, however, would not apply until after Mizuhara completes a potential sentencing.
Mizuhara had served as Ohtani’s interpreter since the two-time American League MVP Award winner made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. The Dodgers fired him during the Seoul Series as reports surfaced of Mizuhara’s involvement in the gambling scandal.
Ohtani admitted that he lost sleep over the incident, which initially prevented him from keeping a consistent routine. However, the 29-year-old’s condition improved as the investigations involving Mizuhara came to a close.
MLB revealed its findings into the matter on Tuesday and deemed that Ohtani was a victim of theft.
“Based on the thoroughness of the federal investigation that was made public, the information MLB collected, and the criminal proceeding being resolved without being contested, MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed,” the league said in a statement.
Shohei Ohtani statement on MLB’s investigation into Ippei Mizuhara
With Ohtani officially being cleared by MLB, he hopes to put the situation behind him. “Now that the investigation has been completed, this full admission of guilt has brought important closure to me and my family,” Ohtani said in a statement.
“I want to sincerely thank the authorities for finishing their thorough and effective investigation so quickly and uncovering all of the evidence.
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