Shohei Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Sentenced for $17M Theft \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for stealing nearly $17 million from the MLB star’s bank account. Mizuhara, who pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud, was also ordered to pay $18 million in restitution. Prosecutors emphasized that Ohtani was an innocent victim of the scheme.
Shohei Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Sentenced: Quick Looks
- Prison Sentence: Ippei Mizuhara was sentenced to four years and nine months for fraud.
- Massive Theft: He stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.
- Gambling Addiction: Mizuhara used the stolen funds to cover bets and debts.
- Court-Ordered Restitution: He must repay $18 million, with most going to Ohtani.
- Judge’s Reaction: The court called the theft “shockingly high” in magnitude.
- Prosecutors Defend Ohtani: They stressed that Ohtani was unaware of Mizuhara’s actions.
Deep Look
A Stunning Betrayal Ends in Prison Time
The shocking case of fraud involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, reached its conclusion Thursday as Mizuhara was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison. A trusted confidant of one of baseball’s biggest stars, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud after embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.
U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb, who handed down the sentence, described the scale of the theft as staggering.
“The magnitude of the theft — $17 million — in my view, is shockingly high,” Holcomb said. “Most people don’t make that much money in their lifetime.”
In addition to his 57-month prison sentence, Mizuhara was ordered to pay $18 million in restitution—$17 million to Ohtani and the rest to the IRS. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and must surrender to authorities by March 24.
Mizuhara’s Apology and Gambling Addiction
Addressing the court, Mizuhara expressed deep remorse for his actions.
“I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done,” he said. “I am prepared to be punished for it.”
Mizuhara admitted to using the stolen funds to fuel a gambling addiction, covering losses incurred with an illegal bookmaker. In addition to sports betting, he spent $325,000 on baseball cards and even used the stolen money for his dental bills.
His attorney, Michael Freedman, argued that Mizuhara was given nearly unlimited betting credit due to his association with Ohtani. He requested a lighter sentence of 1.5 years, citing Mizuhara’s struggles with addiction and the predatory nature of gambling operations.
“He was exposed to a world in which he was given a unique and unlimited credit to run up these kinds of numbers,” Freedman said.
Prosecutors: Ohtani Was a Victim
Federal prosecutors made it clear that Ohtani had no knowledge of Mizuhara’s fraudulent activities and was a victim of betrayal. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the deception and exploitation at play.
“Mr. Mizuhara lied, he cheated, and he stole,” McNally said. “His behavior was shameless.”
Prosecutor Jeff Mitchell noted that the stolen sum represented about half of what Ohtani earned during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, adding that the damage extended beyond finances.
“The most significant harm to Mr. Ohtani is the reputational damage, which may never be fully repaired,” Mitchell said.
The case drew international attention, largely because of Ohtani’s prominence in the sports world. The investigation stemmed from a broader probe into illegal sports betting operations in Southern California, where funds were laundered through Las Vegas casinos.
How Mizuhara Pulled Off the Fraud
According to court documents, Mizuhara began accessing Ohtani’s bank account in 2021, altering security settings to impersonate him and authorize wire transfers. By 2024, he had wagered tens of millions of dollars—none of it his own—on international soccer, NBA, NFL, and college football games. Prosecutors confirmed that Mizuhara never bet on baseball, avoiding potential league violations for Ohtani.
Mizuhara’s deep involvement in Ohtani’s life made the scheme possible. The two formed a close bond after Mizuhara became Ohtani’s interpreter in Japan and later followed him to the U.S. in 2018. Mizuhara wasn’t just a translator—he handled errands, grocery shopping, and other personal matters for the superstar.
From Trusted Confidant to Criminal
Mizuhara was by Ohtani’s side for some of his greatest career moments. He served as Ohtani’s catcher during the 2021 Home Run Derby and was present for both of his American League MVP wins. He even famously quit his job with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout just to remain in communication with Ohtani, only to be rehired once a labor deal was reached.
But behind the scenes, Mizuhara was manipulating Ohtani’s trust. His crimes came to light shortly after Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding another layer of scandal to the story.
What’s Next for Ohtani?
Despite the controversy, Ohtani remains one of the biggest names in baseball. Last year, he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series victory and won his third MVP award. With the legal case behind him, Ohtani can now focus fully on his career, though the financial and reputational fallout from Mizuhara’s betrayal may linger.
As for Mizuhara, he will soon begin serving his prison sentence, facing the consequences of a shocking deception that shook the sports world.
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