Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > MLB Statement On Ippei Mizuhara Facing Federal Bank Fraud Charge
Dodgers NewsFeatured

MLB Statement On Ippei Mizuhara Facing Federal Bank Fraud Charge

Matthew Moreno
April 11, 2024
3 Min Read
Ippei Mizuhara, Seoul Series
Kyodo News
SHARE

Ippei Mizuhara was formally charged with federal bank fraud on Thursday morning, with U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada detailing how he allegedly stole more than $16 million from Shohei Ohtani as part of illegal gambling activity.

“According to the complaint, Mr. Mizuhara stole this money largely to finance his voracious appetite for illegal sports betting,” Estrada said during the press conference.

Estrada was accompanied by IRS Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher and Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Department of Homeland Security Eddy Wang.

“Our investigation revealed that Mizuhara, a Japanese-language interpreter, began working as a translator for Mr. Ohtani when he first came to the United States to begin playing professional baseball. Mr. Mizuhara first met Mr. Ohtani in 2013, so the two knew each other,” Estrada said.

“Mr. Ohtani did not speak or understand English, while Mr. Mizuhara knew English and was familiar with the United States. As such, Mr. Mizuhara not only translated for Mr. Ohtani but also acted as his de facto manager.”

In a 37-page complaint are text messages from Mizuhara to a bookmaker in which he discussed making bank transfers and stealing from Ohtani, who has maintained he didn’t have any knowledge of the sports betting or approve to pay off debts.

Mizuhara is expected to appear in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the near future. The maximum penalty for the bank fraud charge is 30 years in prison, though Mizuhara’s sentencing may be shorter as he reportedly is planning to plead guilty.

MLB statement on Ippei Mizuhara

Along with federal investigators looking into the matter, MLB launched an investigation into Mizuhara and Ohtani.

“We are aware of the charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office against Mr. Mizuhara for bank fraud after a thorough federal investigation. According to that investigation, Shohei Ohtani is considered a victim of fraud and there is no evidence that he authorized betting with an illegal bookmaker,” MLB said in a statement.

“Further, the investigation did not find any betting on baseball by Mr. Mizuhara. Given the information disclosed today, and other information we have already collected, we will wait until resolution of the criminal proceeding to determine whether further investigation is warranted.”

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Ippei MizuharaLos Angeles DodgersMLBShohei Ohtani
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Scott-kazmir-9
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Scott Kazmir’s Fine-Tuning Results In Dominant Start Against Reds

May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
David Price, 2020 Spring Training
Spring TrainingVideo

Dodgers Spring Training Highlights: David Price & Dino Ebel Shine; Max Muncy Homers In Win Over Rockies

March 8, 2020
March 7, 2020
Dodger Stadium view, American flag, 2018 NLCS
Game Central

2019 Opening Day: Dodgers Start New Season With Hyun-Jin Ryu On Mound Vs. Diamondbacks

March 28, 2019
March 28, 2019
Gavin Lux
Dodgers NewsFeaturedInjured List

Dodgers Roster: Gavin Lux Placed On Injured List, Zach Reks Recalled

July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어