In a stunning turn of events, federal prosecutors are disputing claims made by Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, that a crippling gambling addiction led him to embezzle millions from the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger. The revelations come as Mizuhara, who pled guilty in June, awaits sentencing next month for the brazen thefts that sent shockwaves through the sports world.
Prosecutors Paint Different Picture of Interpreter’s Gambling Habits
While Mizuhara has painted himself as a victim of a debilitating gambling addiction, frantically siphoning funds from Ohtani to cover mounting casino debts, prosecutors say their investigation uncovered a very different reality. In court filings, they assert:
- No evidence of significant gambling before thefts began
- Mizuhara had substantial savings when first fraudulent transfer occurred
- Interpreter lived lavishly on Ohtani’s dime, with minimal personal expenses
The government’s exhaustive review of Mizuhara’s gambling history revealed only a handful of small casino wagers predating the Ohtani thefts. Investigators scoured records from over 30 casinos nationwide, finding just a single $200 bet placed in 2008 – more than a decade before Mizuhara began looting his employer’s bank accounts.
Substantial Assets, Minimal Expenses
Prosecutors also pushed back forcefully on Mizuhara’s claims of living “paycheck to paycheck” to cover dual rents in Japan and pricey Newport Beach near Ohtani’s home. Bank records submitted to the court show Mizuhara maintained balances of $30,000 to nearly $200,000 throughout the duration of the fraud.
He had no expenses. He had no loans, car payments, or rent expenses.
Federal prosecutors on Mizuhara’s finances
Rather than drowning in debt, the filings contend, Mizuhara was living in the lap of luxury on Ohtani’s tab. The slugger provided a Porsche for his use and covered the rent Mizuhara claimed was driving him to financial ruin – all without the superstar’s knowledge.
Rejected Book Deal Raises Eyebrows
The court documents also reveal Mizuhara turned down potentially lucrative book and endorsement deals at the height of Ohtani-mania, despite his employer’s encouragement. He did, however, pen at least one children’s book about the phenom – hardly the actions of a man desperate for funds.
Prosecutors Seeking Stiff Sentence
With Mizuhara’s contrition ringing hollow, prosecutors remain adamant in their push for a lengthy 57-month prison term and over $17 million in restitution to Ohtani and the IRS. They argue the disgraced interpreter is merely “justifying stealing millions” rather than showing sincere remorse.
The sentencing memorandum pulls no punches in its assessment of the defendant:
All defendants claim to be remorseful at the time of sentencing. The question courts must answer is whether the defendant is truly remorseful or whether they are just sorry they were caught.
Federal prosecutors’ filing
A Spectacular Fall From Grace
The unraveling of Ippei Mizuhara represents one of the most shocking scandals in recent sports history. A dream job as confidant and mouthpiece for an international superstar morphed into a years-long embezzlement scheme and looming federal prison stint.
As judgement day approaches, all eyes now turn to the courtroom, where a single jurist will weigh Mizuhara’s fate. Will his pleas for leniency fall on sympathetic ears, or will the court drop the hammer and send an unmistakable message that such audacious breaches of trust carry dire consequences? For Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers, and millions of fans, justice can’t come swiftly enough.