Federal authorities formally filed a bank fraud charge against Ippei Mizuhara on Thursday, alleging he stole more than $16 million from Shohei Ohtani while working as his interpreter for the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
“According to the complaint, Mr. Mizuhara stole this money largely to finance his voracious appetite for illegal sports betting,” U.S. Attorney Martin 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 added.
“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.”
Mizuhara surrendered to authorities on Friday but was released from custody on conditional bond, according to Laura J. Nelson and Brittny Mejia:
U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero told Mizuhara he could remain free on a $25,000 unsecured appearance bond, and said that the conditions of his release include attending gambling addiction treatment. She also agreed to have the shackles removed from his legs.
“You are not to engage in any kind of gambling,” Audero told Mizuhara.
In order to avoid paying the bond or being arrested, Judge Maria A. Audero additionally ordered Mizuhara to not travel without first receiving permission and refrain from contacting Ohtani, among other conditions:
The judge noted Mizuhara’s “family ties to the district,” and that fact that he has no criminal history while ordering him released. Mizuhara is also barred from traveling outside of the Central District of California, which includes the Los Angeles area, without permission from the court. He must submit to drug testing, and was told to “avoid all contact directly or indirectly” with any victims or witnesses in the case.
The judge also ordered Mizuhara not to sell or transfer any assets valued at $15,000 or more without first seeking permission. Mizuhara did not have to put up any money for his bond, but would be forced to pay the $25,000 if he’s found to have violated the conditions.
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. Mizuhara did not enter a plea during his first court appearance.
MLB statement on Ippei Mizuhara
While federal investigators have charged Mizuhara, MLB’s investigation remains ongoing but the league is largely in a holding pattern.
“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.”
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