Santa Ana, California – Former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, has agreed to plead guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Mizuhara faces a potential sentence of up to 33 years in prison for illegally transferring nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts to pay off his own gambling debts.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Mizuhara’s actions, labeling them as massive deception and theft. Mizuhara confessed to embezzling $16.975 million from Ohtani and filing a false tax return for 2022, stating only $136,865 in revenue instead of the actual $4.1 million he earned. Additionally, he owes $1.149 million in unpaid taxes to the federal government.
Initial reports had raised speculation that Mizuhara was acting as a middleman for Ohtani, but further investigation revealed the extent of Mizuhara’s deceit. While Mizuhara may not receive the maximum 33-year sentence, he still faces significant repercussions as he awaits sentencing.
The incident sheds light on the risks associated with the growing trend of legal and illegal gambling among professional athletes. Players not only face the threat of self-inflicted problems but also the danger of being exploited by those in their inner circle. The implications of such betrayal are profound and can have long-lasting consequences, as seen in this case involving Ohtani and Mizuhara.
Language barriers may have initially aided Mizuhara in executing his scheme, but the allure of wealth can tempt others close to athletes to devise similar fraudulent plans. It underscores the importance of athletes safeguarding their finances to prevent unauthorized access and potential exploitation by individuals seeking financial gain.
As Mizuhara awaits his fate, the case serves as a cautionary tale for both athletes and those around them, highlighting the need for increased vigilance in protecting assets and preventing financial misconduct. The outcome of this legal saga will undoubtedly resonate throughout the sports world, prompting a reevaluation of trust and accountability within athlete-support systems.