Los Angeles, California – Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani, is reported to be in negotiations to plead guilty for allegedly stealing millions of dollars to pay off gambling debts. This development comes after Ohtani accused Mizuhara of embezzlement, leading to his termination in March.
According to a recent report by the New York Times, the investigation into Mizuhara’s purported theft is said to be nearing a conclusion. Federal prosecutors have supposedly uncovered evidence suggesting that Mizuhara may have taken more than the initially reported $4.5 million. It is alleged that Mizuhara tampered with Ohtani’s bank accounts to conceal the transactions from him.
Ohtani, through his current interpreter, Will Ireton, made statements accusing Mizuhara of deceit and theft following the team’s return from South Korea in March. Mizuhara has since enlisted the services of former federal prosecutor Michael Freedman as his legal representation, although Freedman has not responded to requests for comment.
The IRS, along with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of California, have initiated an investigation into Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, the alleged bookmaker involved in the betting activities. While the U.S. attorney’s office declined to provide details on the case, Major League Baseball has also launched its own inquiry into the matter, as confirmed by a league spokesperson.
The unfolding scandal has cast a shadow over Ohtani’s former interpreter, Mizuhara, with serious legal ramifications possibly looming. As the investigation progresses and more details come to light, the implications for both individuals involved in this financial controversy remain uncertain.