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Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Apologizes After Being Released From Federal Custody
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, in Seoul, South Korea, on March 16, 2024.
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Topline:
Ippei Mizuhara, the former longtime interpreter for Shohei Ohtani who’s accused of stealing millions from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to cover gambling debts, was ordered released from federal custody Friday after making a brief court appearance in Los Angeles.
Mizuhara walked into the courtroom in a dark suit and white shirt with his ankles shackled. He was released on a $25,000 bond and ordered to seek gambling addiction treatment. He also cannot engage in any form of gambling or with any bookmakers.
What his attorney says: Mizuhara's attorney, Michael Freedman, declined to speak to reporters outside the courthouse, but later in the day released the following statement.
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"Today Mr. Mizuhara voluntarily surrendered, made his initial appearance, and was released on bond as agreed to with the government. He is continuing to cooperate with the legal process and is hopeful that he can reach an agreement with the government to resolve this case as quickly as possible so that he can take responsibility. He wishes to apologize to Mr. Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and his family. As noted in court, he is also eager to seek treatment for his gambling. We have no further comment at this time, but Mr. Mizuhara will be providing further comment as the legal process proceeds."
Ohtani's reaction: After the court hearing, the Dodgers star told an L.A. Times reporter that he was "grateful" for the investigation
“For me personally, this marks a break from this, and I’d like to focus on baseball," Ohtani said in Japanese. He declined to answer more questions.
Why now: United States Attorney Martin Estrada on Thursday announced the charges against Mizuhara, alleging that the interpreter siphoned over $16 million from Ohtani’s bank account to pay off debts he incurred after placing illegal bets with a bookmaker. He is also alleged to have spent around $325,000 of that money on baseball cards bought on websites like eBay and Whatnot.
Estrada said Mizuhara was able to carry out the bank fraud by helping Ohtani set up a bank account, and then lied to the bank to authorize wire transfers to the bookie.
The bets appear to not have been placed on baseball, he added.
The backstory: The Dodgers fired Mizuhara in March after Ohtani's lawyers accused him of stealing millions of dollars from the baseball player to place bets with a bookie based in Orange County. ESPN reported that at least $4.5 million was allegedly sent from Ohtani's account to the bookie through a series of wire transfers.
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What's next: Mizuhara arraignment was scheduled for May 9. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Go deeper: Shohei Ohtani's Former Interpreter Charged With Stealing $16 Million From Los Angeles Dodgers Star
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