Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison after admitting to bank and tax fraud charges.
Since Ohtani's debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2018, Mizuhara had been closely working with him and was found to have stolen nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts with a casino in Southern California.
In addition to imprisonment, he is also required to repay the stolen funds and pay about $1 million in unpaid taxes.
The case initially raised concerns about Ohtani's possible involvement in gambling activities.
Mizuhara initially claimed that Ohtani was aware of his drug addiction and lent him money. However, Ohtani later clarified that these statements were part of Mizuhara's scheme, stating: "It was all a complete lie."
Given the strict regulations on gambling by Major League Baseball and the prohibition of sports betting in California, this scandal has brought uncertainty to Ohtani's career.
Notably, besides the stolen funds, Mizuhara also used Ohtani's money to purchase a signed baseball card worth $325,000, which Ohtani is currently seeking to recover.
Mizuhara expressed remorse in court in Santa Ana, California, acknowledging that his betrayal would have lasting effects.
Judge John Holcomb sentenced Mizuhara to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of probation, during which Mizuhara will undergo drug and alcohol testing and treatment for gambling addiction.
He must surrender and begin serving his sentence by March 24.
Mizuhara admitted to falsifying tax returns and underreporting $4.1 million in fraudulent income. After serving his sentence, he may also face deportation.
This case comes as concerns over gambling addiction in Japan are increasing. Last month's data showed a surge in gambling addiction cases, with consultation requests increasing elevenfold in five years.
