Ippei Mizuhara’s Legal Troubles: A Deep Dive into the Case of Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter
In a dramatic turn of events that has captivated the sports world, federal prosecutors have recommended a 57-month prison sentence for Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. This recommendation comes after the release of an audio recording where Mizuhara allegedly impersonates Ohtani to wire money from the baseball player’s bank account.
The case took a significant twist when Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael G. Freedman, filed a separate court document. In it, he revealed that Mizuhara has been battling a gambling addiction since his teenage years and requested a reduced sentence of 18 months. This plea for leniency highlights the personal struggles that Mizuhara has faced, adding a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.
The saga began in March 2024 when an ESPN investigation uncovered that Mizuhara had been transferring millions from Ohtani’s account to an illegal bookmaker. Mizuhara later pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return, admitting to stealing nearly $17 million to settle his gambling debts. His sentencing is scheduled for February 6.
According to the prosecutors’ filing, Mizuhara impersonated Ohtani on approximately 24 occasions to facilitate these wire transfers. The audio recording, first obtained by The Athletic, captures a bank employee asking Mizuhara to identify himself. “Shohei Ohtani,” Mizuhara replied, attempting to convince the bank employee of his false identity.
During the call, Mizuhara claimed he needed to send $200,000 for a car loan, describing the payee as a “friend” he had met “many times.” The bank employee, however, expressed skepticism due to the inability to verify the transaction, prompting further questions about the nature of the relationship and the source of the wire information.
Prosecutors have edited the recording to redact sensitive information, including the names of the bank and the recipient of the funds. ESPN reported that some of the money was wired to the bank account of Ryan Boyajian, an associate of bookmaker Mathew Bowyer.
In addition to the prison sentence, prosecutors have recommended that Mizuhara pay nearly $17 million in restitution to Ohtani and $1.1 million to the IRS. This financial restitution underscores the gravity of the financial misconduct involved in the case.
Freedman’s filing paints a picture of Mizuhara’s long-standing gambling addiction, which began at the age of 18. His gambling habits intensified while working for Ohtani at the Los Angeles Angels, where he participated in poker games hosted by other baseball players. It was during one of these games in San Diego in 2021 that Mizuhara met Bowyer.
Over a two-year period, Mizuhara placed approximately 19,000 bets with Bowyer, accumulating over $40 million in debt. Freedman noted that Bowyer initially extended a $20,000 line of credit to Mizuhara, further entangling him in a web of financial obligations.
Despite attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings three times a week, prosecutors argue that Mizuhara’s gambling addiction does not fully explain his actions. They assert that his crimes were motivated by greed, as he used the stolen funds for personal expenses unrelated to gambling.
In a heartfelt letter to U.S. District Court Judge John W. Holcomb, Mizuhara expressed remorse for his actions and detailed the pressures he faced while working for Ohtani. He described being on call 24/7 and handling multiple responsibilities typically managed by a team of staff members.
- Mizuhara’s initial salary with the Angels was $85,000, which increased to $250,000 in 2022.
- His salary rose to $500,000 when he moved to the Dodgers with Ohtani in 2024.
- Ohtani also provided Mizuhara with a separate salary and a Porsche Cayenne.
Mizuhara’s wife, Naomi, also played a significant role in supporting Ohtani, cooking meals, caring for his dog, and assisting with minor injuries. In her letter to the judge, Naomi described the emotional toll of their circumstances, including her struggles with hearing loss and alopecia areata due to stress.
As the legal proceedings continue, Mizuhara has asked for mercy from the judge and apologized to Ohtani, expressing admiration for the baseball player and regret for violating his trust.
Originally Written by: Tisha Thompson
