Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter and close associate of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts. The sentencing took place on Thursday in a California court, marking the end of a shocking financial betrayal that rocked Major League Baseball.
How Mizuhara Stole $17 Million from Ohtani
Mizuhara, 40, had exclusive access to Ohtani’s personal and financial affairs due to his role as the star athlete’s interpreter and assistant. Prosecutors revealed that Mizuhara:
- Illegally accessed Ohtani’s accounts starting in 2021
- Impersonated Ohtani in banking communications
- Siphoned millions of dollars to cover personal gambling debts
- Manipulated wire transfers to funnel money to an illegal bookmaker
These actions went unnoticed until March 2024, when federal investigators uncovered the scheme while probing a California-based illegal gambling operation. The revelation ended Mizuhara’s longstanding professional and personal relationship with Ohtani, which began when the Japanese baseball star joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.
Legal Consequences: Prison Time, Restitution, and Fines
In addition to the 57-month prison sentence, the court ordered Mizuhara to:
- Repay $17 million to Shohei Ohtani
- Pay a fine of over $1 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Federal Judge John W. Holcomb sided with the prosecution’s recommendation for a longer sentence, rejecting a request for just 18 months from Ohtani’s legal team. The judge cited Mizuhara’s misleading statements in court as a key reason for the harsher punishment.
The Fallout: Betrayal of Trust
Mizuhara was not just an interpreter for Ohtani—he was a trusted confidant who played a major role in helping the Japanese player adjust to life in Major League Baseball (MLB). Their decade-long partnership came to an abrupt and devastating end following the scandal.
The theft occurred before Ohtani’s record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he had already earned around $65 million in salary and millions more in endorsements during his time with the Angels.
Mizuhara’s Defense and the Prosecution’s Response
In his defense, Mizuhara claimed he suffered from a gambling addiction and called his actions a “terrible mistake.” However, federal prosecutors dismissed this claim, arguing that:
- There was no solid proof Mizuhara had a history of gambling problems before accessing Ohtani’s accounts
- His statements about addiction were “self-serving” and “uncorroborated”
- His request for a lighter sentence was based on manipulative and misleading claims
Mizuhara’s Apology and the Uncertain Future
Before his sentencing, Mizuhara admitted to impersonating Ohtani in bank transactions and apologized directly to him. However, Judge Holcomb noted that it remains unclear whether Mizuhara will ever be able to repay the stolen money.
The sentencing of Ippei Mizuhara marks the final chapter in a shocking case of fraud and betrayal involving one of baseball’s biggest stars. Despite being a trusted figure in Ohtani’s inner circle, Mizuhara exploited his position for personal financial gain. While the court has ordered him to serve time and repay the stolen funds, the scandal leaves a lasting impact on Ohtani’s career and trust in those around him.
