Ippei Mizuhara was formally charged with felony bank fraud last Thursday, with federal authorities that he stole more than $16 million from Shohei Ohtani while working as his interpreter for the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mizuhara surrendered to authorities and was released from custody on conditional bond. To avoid paying the bond or being arrested, he was ordered by Judge Maria A. Audero to not travel without first receiving permission and to refrain from contacting Ohtani, among other conditions.
Bank fraud carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, but Mizuhara’s sentencing may be shorter as he is reportedly planning to plead guilty.
As his case continues, Mizuhara issued an apology to Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers through his lawyer, Michael Freedman, via Sam Blum of The Athletic:
“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.”
During his press conference, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stressed that Ohtani is considered a victim and had no prior knowledge of Mizuhara’s actions.
“There is no evidence to indicated that Mr. Ohtani authorized the over $16 million of transfers from his account to the bookmakers,” Estrada said. “Mr. Ohtani has stated that he did not authorize these transfers, that he did not grant Mizuhara access to his account.
“But on top of that, we reviewed both Mizuhra’s and Mr. Ohtani’s phones and their communications over time, over several years, thousands of communications, reviewed by a Japanese linguist, and that review has demonstrated no discussion of betting, wagers, or authorization for transfers to bookmakers.
“Furthermore, there would have been no reason for Mizuhara to impersonate Mr. Ohtani in calls with the bank if these transfers had been authorized.
“Also, when Mr. Mizuhara would occasionally win on his sports bets, the winnings were not deposited in Mr. Ohtani’s bank account, but rather into Mr. Mizuhara’s personal bank account.
“Finally, in a text message with one of the bookmakers, Mr. Mizuhara admitted to the bookmaker to stealing from Mr. Ohtani.”
Shohei Ohtani’s statement on federal investigation
After the findings were revealed, Ohtani expressed gratitude toward the government and reiterated that his focus is on helping the Dodgers reach their goals this season.
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