Mizuhara’s Surrender Date Postponed After Prison Sentence for Fraud
The former interpreter for Major League Baseball star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, was set to begin his nearly five-year prison sentence this week. However, federal prosecutors have announced that his surrender date has been postponed, although the details behind this decision remain undisclosed.
Details of the Case
Mizuhara, who assisted Ohtani during his notable career moments, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal court last month, in Santa Ana, California. He pleaded guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud after misappropriating approximately $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.
Fraudulent Activities and Their Consequences
From 2021 onward, Mizuhara accessed Ohtani’s bank account by altering its security settings, which allowed him to impersonate the player for unauthorized wire transfers. Mizuhara later acknowledged that he used the stolen funds to support a growing gambling habit with an illegal bookmaker, as well as covering personal expenses including over $325,000 for baseball cards and dental bills.
Alongside his prison sentence, Mizuhara has been ordered to pay a total of $18 million in restitution—almost all of which is designated for Ohtani, with a portion allocated to the IRS. Additionally, he faces three years of supervised release following his time in prison.
Impact on Ohtani’s Career
As Ohtani’s interpreter, Mizuhara was integral to his communication with English-speaking teammates and fans. His presence was significant during many of Ohtani’s career milestones, including his participation in the 2021 Home Run Derby and his two American League MVP victories. Mizuhara also infamously resigned from his position with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout to maintain his relationship with Ohtani, returning once a new agreement was reached.
Broader Implications
This case has attracted extensive media attention and is linked to a larger investigation into illegal sports betting operations in Southern California, which reportedly includes money laundering activities connected to Las Vegas casinos.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department, Ciaran McEvoy, confirmed the postponement of Mizuhara’s surrender but provided no additional details about the new date or the reasons behind the change.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation around Mizuhara serves as a reminder of the complexities of personal relationships in professional sports and the potential risks associated with financial management. As developments continue, the focus remains on both the implications for Ohtani and the broader context of sports-related fraud.