via Reuters
Members of the media gather, on the day Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who is charged with stealing more than 16 million dollars from the baseball star to cover gambling debts, is expected to appear at a federal court in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 12, 2024. REUTERS/David Swanson
via Reuters
Members of the media gather, on the day Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who is charged with stealing more than 16 million dollars from the baseball star to cover gambling debts, is expected to appear at a federal court in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 12, 2024. REUTERS/David Swanson
The awe-inspiring Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers continues to do the rounds on headlines. However, this time, it’s not for his feats on the diamond. The spotlight shifted to his former friend and confidante, Ippei Mizuhara, who appeared in court for the first time since the controversy began. He faced accusations of a shocking $16 million embezzlement scheme.
As the news of Mizuhara’s alleged crimes sent shockwaves through the world of MLB, Shohei Ohtani was fighting a battle with betrayal. The 39-year-old interpreter was a trusted confidante. He was someone who facilitated communication and deeply understood Ohtani’s needs even during COVID-19. Imagine how one might feel when that trust broke in such a monumental way.
Progress In The Ippei Mizuhara-Embezzlement Case
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Images of Mizuhara arriving in court shackled came to light the dramatic shift in his circumstances. The days of sharing the dugout with a Unicorn are done. That said, this man with a gambling problem is on the verge of facing a potential 30-year prison sentence. Court documents that have been revealed paint a vivid picture.
Ippei Mizuhara appeared in court today with shackles around his ankles, per @SamBlum3
He's released on a $25k bond with conditions that include: cannot leave Central District of CA without permission, cannot contact Shohei Ohtani and a mandatory gamblers addiction program pic.twitter.com/Br8hFC8xI6
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 12, 2024
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The affidavit has alleged that Mizuhara harbored a severe gambling addiction which blew out of proportion in the past two years. Eager to feed his addiction he resorted to stealing from Ohtani’s accounts. In this act, hundreds of millions of dollars in wagers were played with an illegal bookmaker. How this entire stunt was pulled off involved systematically transferring control of Ohtani’s finances to himself. And that’s why, this move went unnoticed for longer than expected.
The investigation as of now, has cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing calling him just a “victim”. Federal authorities have persistently maintained that he is a victim. This statement even aligns with the lack of evidence on Ohtani’s part linking him to any gambling activity. Reports also suggest the 29-year-old star totally cooperated during the investigation.
Shohei Ohtani Steered Clear of Issues
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As per the latest update, Mizuhara’s arraignment is scheduled for May 9th. On one hand, the legal battle unfolds. On the other, he would be required to start a court-mandated gambling addiction program. Yes, this is a complex case– a criminal act fueled by a chronic issue. That said, will there be a plea bargain in the coming weeks?
While we wonder what the answer to that is, one thing is certain. Mizuhara’s career as a trusted interpreter is over. As he now faces the consequences of his wrong doings, a long road to recovery is yet to be travelled. That too, only if he chooses to take it. For Ohtani however, hopefully, this ordeal is finally ending. And perhaps, for Mizuhara, the journey towards redemption has just started.
