The New York Times is reporting a federal investigation has found evidence Ippei Mizuhara stole more than $4.5 million from the MLB star.
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Ippei Mizuhara, the former translator and friend to MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, is in negotiations to plead guilty to federal crimes stemming from allegations he stole millions from the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger to cover gambling debts, the New York Times is reporting.
The federal investigation is coming to a close and prosecutors have found evidence Mizuhara may have stolen more than the reported $4.5 million to pay an illegal bookmaker, the Times reports, citing sources. There may also be evidence Mizuhara changed settings on Ohtani’s bank accounts to keep him from receiving notifications about transactions.
Ohtani said in a public statement made two weeks ago that Mizuhara had stolen the funds from his account without his knowledge and that he “never bet on baseball or any other sports” or “asked somebody to do it” on his behalf.
If Mizuhara is to plead guilty in front of a federal judge, it could confirm Ohtani’s account that he is a victim in the gambling scandal. Federal authorities have already concluded that Ohtani was not involved in the betting and scandal and was a victim of fraud, sources told TMZ.
TMZ is also reporting that Mizuhara will be charged in the coming days. A guilty plea could result in a lighter sentence for Mizuhara.
Mizuhara came under federal investigation after he addressed the Dodgers after a March 20 game in South Korea, informing them of the impending news reports. He was fired by the Dodgers shortly thereafter. Ohtani said he had no prior knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling and had his lawyers alert federal authorities and Major League Baseball.
Mizuhara is accused of making wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to an illegal bookmaking operation. Authorities have also been investigating alleged bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. Sports betting remains illegal in California.
The scandal came to light after an offseason in which Ohtani became the highest-paid athlete in North American sports history by signing a 10-year, $700-million deal with the Dodgers.
The two-time MVP is hitting .333 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 15 games played in Dodger Blue. The two-way star underwent elbow surgery for a UCL tear in September and isn’t expected to be available to pitch again until 2025.
