Ohtani’s Ex-Interpreter Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years for $17M Theft

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in federal prison for stealing $17 million from the baseball superstar to repay gambling debts. U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb handed down a 57-month sentence, three years of supervised release, and ordered Mizuhara to pay nearly $17 million in restitution to Ohtani and $1.1 million to the IRS.

“I want to say I am truly sorry to Mr. Ohtani for what I have done,” Mizuhara said in court. His attorney, Michael G. Freedman, stated that Mizuhara, a Japanese citizen, is expected to be deported after serving his sentence. The Dodgers fired Mizuhara in March 2024 after it was revealed he had sent millions in wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to an illegal bookmaker.

Mizuhara pleaded guilty in June 2024 to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Prosecutors said he placed about 19,000 bets over two years, accumulating over $40 million in debt. They recommended a 57-month sentence, while Mizuhara’s lawyer sought 18 months, citing a long-standing gambling addiction. However, prosecutors argued that Mizuhara had gambled before stealing from Ohtani.

“Mr. Mizuhara’s addiction was drastic,” Freedman said in court. “Astronomical sums were involved.” He added that Mizuhara’s gambling addiction was “inflamed” by the credit extended by the bookmaker, who knew Mizuhara worked for Ohtani.

Mizuhara admitted to fraudulently transferring money from Ohtani’s account for more than two years, including impersonating the athlete in calls to the bank. Prosecutors called the scheme “deep” and “extensive” fraud, stating that Ohtani was “harmed substantially” by Mizuhara’s actions. Mizuhara is scheduled to surrender on March 24.

In a letter to Judge Holcomb, Mizuhara asked for a “merciful and not punitive” sentence, describing mounting financial stresses that led him to use an illegal sports betting website. He said he did not realize it was illegal until early 2024. “Being desperate for money at the time, I stupidly thought this might be an opportunity to help myself out financially,” Mizuhara wrote.

Mizuhara also outlined the impact a prison sentence would have on his wife and expressed hope to use his experience to help others dealing with gambling problems. “I understand that I have made a decision that will impact my entire life,” he wrote. “I am prepared to accept my consequences.”

Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, said in a statement last year, “I am very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”