Ippei Mizuhara, the friend and former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, has pleaded guilty to stealing millions from Ohtani to cover gambling debts, the U.S. Department of Justice reported.
Mizuhara, 39, faces up to 33 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud (30 years) and one count of subscribing to a false tax return (3) years.
The Japanese interpreter is expected to enter a plea deal.
“The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit. My office is committed to vindicating victims throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice.”
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