Ippei Mizuhara, the longtime interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. The sentencing comes nearly a year after an investigation revealed Mizuhara had embezzled nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s personal bank account to cover massive gambling debts.
The ruling was handed down by U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb, who also ordered Mizuhara to pay more than $18 million in restitution to Ohtani and the IRS. After serving his prison sentence, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
How Mizuhara Stole Millions from Ohtani
Mizuhara’s fraudulent activities came to light in March 2024, when financial investigators discovered suspicious wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to an illegal sports gambling operation.
Using his close relationship and access to Ohtani’s financial information, Mizuhara posed as the baseball star, tricking bank officials into approving unauthorized transactions. Investigators found that the stolen money was funnelled to illegal bookmakers in California and Las Vegas.
Despite the scandal, prosecutors emphasized that Ohtani was completely unaware of the fraudulent activity and was a victim of Mizuhara’s deception.
Mizuhara’s Downfall and Guilty Plea
In June 2024, Mizuhara pleaded guilty to all charges, admitting that he had abused Ohtani’s trust and used his position for personal gain. Prosecutors described the scheme as a betrayal of the highest level, given Mizuhara’s longstanding role as Ohtani’s interpreter, advisor, and close confidant.
“This was not a mistake or misunderstanding—it was deliberate fraud that took advantage of one of the most trusted relationships in sports,” prosecutors said in court.
Mizuhara is scheduled to surrender to federal authorities on March 24, 2025, to begin his prison sentence.
Ohtani Moves Forward After Betrayal
The scandal has cast a shadow over Ohtani’s career, but the baseball star has remained focused on his future with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After learning of the fraud, Ohtani cooperated fully with authorities, ensuring that those responsible were held accountable. He has since strengthened security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Ohtani has not spoken publicly about the sentencing but is expected to address the situation during Spring Training.
Final Thoughts
The Mizuhara scandal is a stark reminder of how trust can be exploited, even at the highest levels of professional sports. While justice has been served, the case highlights the importance of financial vigilance, especially for high-profile athletes and public figures.