Ohtani's ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara to plead guilty to bank, tax fraud - ESPN

Ippei Mizuhara agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to federal charges of felony bank fraud and submitting a false tax return after authorities found that he stole nearly $17 million from Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in order to pay off gambling debts to an illegal sportsbook.

Mizuhara, 39, who had been Ohtani's longtime interpreter, is expected to enter his guilty plea in the coming weeks. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

A sentencing date has not been set. The total maximum sentence Mizuhara could receive for both crimes would be 33 years imprisonment and fines of $1.25 million, but in exchange for his plea — outlined in the agreement released Wednesday — prosecutors would recommend a reduced sentence.

The plea agreement says Mizuhara will be required to pay full restitution, or $16,975,010, to Ohtani.

Mizuhara's attorney declined to comment. A spokesperson for Ohtani declined to comment, as did the Dodgers.

Federal authorities filed the complaint against Mizuhara on April 11, just three weeks after an ESPN investigation detailing wire transfers of $500,000 from Ohtani's bank account to the bookmaking operation. Mizuhara initially told ESPN that Ohtani had sent the money to help him pay his debts but later changed his story to say Ohtani had no knowledge of his gambling or the wire transfers. Ohtani's attorneys alleged the slugger had been the victim of a «massive theft.»

«The extent of this defendant's deception and theft is massive,» United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a news release. «He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit.»

Also in the statement, IRS