Topline:
Mizuhara is scheduled to go before a federal judge next week in downtown L.A. and formally hear the felony bank fraud charges against him.
The backstory: Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to dupe bank employees into authorizing wire transfers from the player’s account to associates of a bookmaking operation in Orange County.
Why it matters: Sports betting is illegal in California. A gambling scandal involving arguably the most important player in Major League Baseball could throw his integrity — and that of the sport — into question.
What's next: Major League Baseball announced it would launch an investigation into the gambling scandal but no timeline has been given.
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara is expected to plead guilty for allegedly stealing more than $16 million from the Dodgers star to pay off gambling debts, according to the U.S. District Attorney's Office.
Mizuhara is scheduled to go before a federal judge next week in downtown L.A. and formally hear the felony bank fraud charges against him.
“The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement Wednesday. “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit. My office is committed to vindicating victims throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice.”
Federal prosecutors allege Mizuhara wired transfers from Ohtani’s bank account without the player’s knowledge to place bets with an illegal Orange County bookmaking operation. The interpreter allegedly lost more than $40 million across about some 19,000 wagers.
After turning himself in April 12, Mizuhara made his initial court appearance in shackles. The 39-year-old Newport Beach resident was released on a $25,000 bond and ordered not to engage in gambling.
If convicted, Mizuhara faces up to 33 years in federal prison.
Ohtani, a ‘victim’
Prosecutors have called Ohtani a victim in the criminal case, noting that the two-time American League MVP has cooperated with the criminal investigation.
Ohtani said that he has never gambled on sports, which is illegal in California, and expressed feeling betrayed by his ex-interpreter and friend.
“I’m very shocked that someone I trusted has done this,” Ohtani said at a March 25 press conference at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani, whom the Dodgers signed to a 10-year, $700-million contract last December, had brought Mizuhara with him from the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani signed with the Angels in 2018 – the same year Mizuhara helped the player open a bank account in Arizona, prosecutors said.
Several years later, Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to dupe bank employees into authorizing wire transfers from the player’s account to associates of the bookmaking operation.
Investigation pending
In March, Major League Baseball announced it would launch an investigation into the gambling scandal.
A betting controversy involving arguably the sport’s most important player had the ability to throw his integrity – and that of the league – into question.
This week, however, commissioner Rob Manfred indicated during his annual meeting with the Associated Press Sports Editors that he wanted to see the legal process play out first.
In the meantime, Ohtani has seemingly gotten past the early-season drama to put up robust numbers, including leading the league with 11 homers.
