MLB star Ohtani’s interpreter Mizuhara sentenced to nearly five years in jail
Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for fraud and gambling programs.
He was ordered to pay nearly $17 million (£13.6 million) to stars before paying $1 million in past taxes to the IRS.
He has been a British interpreter for Ohtani since his 2018 Major League Baseball debut, and he was fired in reports of his gambling activities last year, prompting an investigation into Ohtani’s finances.
A survey shows that in athletes, Remahara stole nearly $17 million from athletes to pay off debts owed to Southern California bookmakers.
He then lied to cover up his actions. He expressed guilty against bank and tax fraud charges.
Before being sentenced, Remara apologized for her actions.
“I am very sorry for what Mr Ohtani did. I know that apology will not resolve the crime I committed.” “This mistake will affect my life and I am ready to accept the consequences.”
Mizuhara was born in Japan and may also face deportation after his federal verdict is completed.
In addition to the stolen funds, Mizuhara also purchased several signature baseball cards and used Ohtani’s money. The cards are worth about $325,000 for resale, but Ohtani has since petitioned a federal judge to acquire ownership of the card as part of the recovery process.
Mizuhara admitted to forging his 2022 tax return, earning less than $4.1 million from the program. He owed about $1.15 million in unpaid taxes, as well as fines and interest.
His sentencing was delayed several times before Thursday.
It was scheduled to take place on October 25 last year, which coincided with Ohtani’s first match in the World Series, but prosecutors agreed to move it to December 20. The Dodgers eventually won the series.
The December date was then delayed to allow forensic psychiatrists to evaluate the Mezi gambling addiction. The Swiss legal team used the report to seek leniency, citing his cooperation and efforts to address his addiction.
In a previous court appearance, Remahara admitted to allegations against him acknowledging his struggle with gambling.
“I deeply regret my actions and the harm caused to Mr. Otani and his family,” Remahara said. “I have let my personal problems go out of control and I have betrayed the trust of those who have given me everything.”
Ohtani, currently one of the largest global stars in baseball, has been basically silent on this matter, but in March said: “I feel very sad and shocked because the people I trust have already Doing this.”
