SANTA ANA, Calif. — A former interpreter for prominent baseball player Shohei Ohtani has received a nearly five-year prison sentence due to bank and tax fraud, having unlawfully taken almost $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account. Ippei Mizuhara, originally tasked with facilitating communication between the Japanese athlete and his English-speaking colleagues and fans, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court to four years and nine months following his guilty plea last year.
In addition to his prison term, Mizuhara has been ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, with the bulk of that amount going directly to Ohtani and a smaller portion to the IRS. He is also subject to three years of supervised release after serving his prison time and must report to authorities by March 24.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb expressed his disbelief over the substantial amount stolen, remarking that such a figure is incomprehensible for most individuals to earn throughout their entire careers. He added, “I hope that Mr. Mizuhara will be able to repay that sum,” although he acknowledged the uncertainty around that possibility.
Mizuhara took the opportunity to address the court, expressing remorse toward Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the government, and his own family. He stated, “I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done. I am prepared to be punished for it.” The former interpreter admitted to using the funds to pay off mounting gambling debts and cover personal expenses, including $325,000 worth of baseball cards and his dental bills. Following the hearing, his legal counsel chose not to comment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally, speaking to the media outside the courthouse, emphasized that Mizuhara exploited Ohtani’s situation as a non-English speaker who was trying to adapt to life as a high-profile baseball player. He underscored that Ohtani is indeed a victim in this case, stating, “Mr. Mizuhara lied, he cheated and he stole,” and labeled his actions as “shameless.”
Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael Freedman, advocated for a more lenient sentence of one and a half years, urging the judge to consider Mizuhara’s gambling addiction and the influence of a bookmaker who provided him with ample credit due to his association with Ohtani. “He was exposed to a world in which he was given a unique and unlimited credit,” Freedman noted.
Federal prosecutor Jeff Mitchell pointed out that the amount Mizuhara swindled is roughly equivalent to half of what Ohtani earned during his time with the Los Angeles Angels. The damage, however, extends beyond monetary loss, as Mitchell stated, “The most significant harm to Mr. Ohtani is the reputational damage, which may never be fully repaired.” The case has garnered significant media attention given Ohtani’s stature as one of the most recognizable figures in baseball.
The investigation into Mizuhara’s activities is linked to a wider probe into illegal sports betting operations in Southern California and the laundering of illicit funds via casinos in Las Vegas. Mizuhara reportedly accessed Ohtani’s bank account starting in 2021, altering security measures that allowed him to impersonate Ohtani for wire transfers. By the following year, he had used the stolen funds to purchase baseball cards and placed unauthorized bets amounting to tens of millions on various sports, excluding baseball itself.
Mizuhara, who originated from Japan, moved to California at the age of six, where he faced challenges with the English language but eventually overcame them. He returned to Japan in 2013 to serve as an interpreter for a baseball team and subsequently joined Ohtani’s team. Their professional relationship grew into a close friendship, with Mizuhara assisting Ohtani in many aspects of his daily life, from shopping to attending significant career milestones.
The two shared numerous unforgettable moments, including Mizuhara catching for Ohtani during the 2021 Home Run Derby and supporting him through accolades like two American League MVP awards and an extensive $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Amid the 2021 MLB lockout, Mizuhara resigned from the Los Angeles Angels to maintain his connection with Ohtani but was later rehired.
Last year marked a notable chapter in Ohtani’s career, as he and the Dodgers clinched the World Series title, and he was honored with a third Most Valuable Player title.
