LOS ANGELES — The former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani is facing a sentencing hearing for bank and tax fraud after misappropriating nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player’s account.
Federal authorities are advocating for a prison term of four years and nine months for Ippei Mizuhara, who was tasked with facilitating communication for Ohtani with his English-speaking teammates and fans. Instead, Mizuhara abused the trust placed in him to exploit the language barrier, leading to significant financial theft.
Mizuhara’s court appearance will take place in Santa Ana, California. He pleaded guilty to charges relating to bank and tax fraud last year, admitting to siphoning funds to cover escalating gambling debts associated with an illegal bookmaker, alongside the purchase of $325,000 worth of baseball cards and personal dental expenses.
This high-profile case has implicated one of baseball’s most recognized talents—a player who previously shone for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim—and ignited a global media storm. The investigation is part of a wider crackdown on illegal sports betting operations in Southern California, with links to money laundering activities in Las Vegas involving multiple defendants.
Prosecutors have described Mizuhara’s actions as a severe betrayal, citing his calculated deception aimed at undermining Ohtani and his financial advisors. They are calling for Mizuhara to repay the full $17 million to Ohtani, as well as an additional $1 million to the Internal Revenue Service.
Mizuhara has expressed his financial difficulties and gambling addiction in a plea for leniency, emphasizing his admiration for Ohtani and his regret over violating the player’s trust. In his letter to the court, he stated his desire for mercy and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ohtani’s success on the field.
Beginning in 2021, Mizuhara accessed Ohtani’s bank account and altered its security settings, allowing him to impersonate Ohtani for unauthorized transactions. By 2024, he had used the stolen funds to acquire $325,000 worth of baseball cards online and wagered tens of millions of dollars on various professional sports.
Prosecutors clarified that Mizuhara did not bet on baseball, highlighting Ohtani’s unawareness of the fraudulent activities. They made it clear that Ohtani is a true victim of Mizuhara’s actions, which have caused significant emotional and financial distress.
Michael G. Freedman, Mizuhara’s attorney, highlighted his client’s acknowledgment of wrongdoing and described him as a gambling addict who experienced devastating personal and professional consequences. Mizuhara is expected to be deported to Japan following his sentence, with his attorney requesting a reduced sentence of one and a half years.
Born in Japan and relocating to California at a young age, Mizuhara struggled with English but ultimately returned to Japan in 2013 to serve as an interpreter for a Japanese baseball team before working with Ohtani. The two built a strong friendship when Mizuhara moved to the U.S. with Ohtani in 2018, assisting him with various personal tasks.
Mizuhara was present during many significant moments of Ohtani’s career, including the 2021 Home Run Derby, his American League MVP victories, and his record-setting ten-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Last year, Ohtani and the Dodgers triumphed in the World Series, with Ohtani achieving his third Most Valuable Player award.
