In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter and confidant of baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for orchestrating a $17 million fraud scheme against the Los Angeles Dodgers star. This betrayal not only underscores the vulnerabilities that even the most prominent athletes face but also highlights the pervasive issues of trust and exploitation within professional sports.
The Rise of a Trusted Confidant
Ippei Mizuhara’s journey from a young immigrant to becoming the trusted interpreter for one of baseball’s biggest stars is both inspiring and, ultimately, tragic. Born in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan, in 1984, Mizuhara moved to the United States with his family in 1991. Settling in Diamond Bar, California, he adapted to American culture, excelling in sports like soccer and basketball during his high school years. His bilingual abilities and understanding of both Japanese and American cultures positioned him uniquely for a role bridging the gap between Japanese athletes and the American sports world.
In 2013, Mizuhara began his association with Shohei Ohtani during the latter’s tenure with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. Their relationship deepened over the years, with Mizuhara not only serving as Ohtani’s interpreter but also as a confidant, conditioning coach, and even a throwing partner. When Ohtani made the monumental move to Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2018, joining the Los Angeles Angels, Mizuhara was by his side, facilitating communication and helping him navigate the complexities of a new country and league.
Their bond was evident to fans and teammates alike. Mizuhara was often seen catching Ohtani’s bullpen sessions, participating in pregame warm-ups, and even serving as his catcher during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby. This close association made the revelations of Mizuhara’s fraudulent activities all the more shocking.
The Unraveling of Trust
The facade of trust began to crumble in March 2024. An ESPN investigation uncovered suspicious wire transfers totaling $4.5 million from Ohtani’s bank account to a Southern California bookmaking operation under federal scrutiny. Initially, Mizuhara claimed that these funds were transferred with Ohtani’s knowledge to repay his gambling debts. He even addressed the Dodgers’ clubhouse, admitting to a gambling addiction and asserting that Ohtani had assisted him financially.
However, as the investigation deepened, a different narrative emerged. Ohtani’s legal representatives issued a statement asserting that the athlete was a victim of “massive theft” and had no prior knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling activities. It was revealed that Mizuhara had impersonated Ohtani on multiple occasions, contacting banks to authorize wire transfers without Ohtani’s consent. He exploited his intimate knowledge of Ohtani’s personal information and banking security protocols to facilitate these unauthorized transactions.
Further investigations uncovered that Mizuhara’s fraudulent activities dated back to 2018 when he assisted Ohtani in opening a bank account in Phoenix, Arizona. Starting in late 2021, Mizuhara’s gambling habits escalated, leading him to accumulate substantial debts with an illegal sports betting operation. To cover these debts, he illicitly transferred nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s account, using the funds not only for gambling but also for personal expenses, including purchasing $325,000 worth of baseball cards and covering his dental bills.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In April 2024, federal authorities charged Mizuhara with one count of bank fraud after determining that he had impersonated Ohtani in communications with the bank and had stolen over $16 million. He surrendered to authorities shortly after the charges were filed and was released on a $25,000 bond. In June 2024, Mizuhara pled guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return, acknowledging his role in the scheme and the betrayal of Ohtani’s trust.
On February 6, 2025, U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Mizuhara to 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, with nearly $17 million allocated to Ohtani and the remainder to the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid taxes. During the sentencing, Judge Holcomb emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “The magnitude of the theft—$17 million—in my view, is shockingly high. Most people don’t make that much money in their lifetime.”
Mizuhara addressed the court, expressing remorse for his actions. “I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done,” he said. “I am prepared to be punished for it.” His defense attorney highlighted Mizuhara’s gambling addiction and the unique pressures he faced due to his close association with a high-profile athlete. However, prosecutors underscored the breach of trust and the significant financial and reputational harm caused to Ohtani.
The Impact on Shohei Ohtani
For Shohei Ohtani, the betrayal by someone he considered a friend and trusted advisor was profound. Beyond the substantial financial loss, the incident subjected Ohtani to unwarranted scrutiny and potential reputational damage. Throughout the ordeal, Ohtani maintained that he had no involvement in gambling activities and was unaware of Mizuhara’s actions until the allegations surfaced. In a press conference in March 2024, Ohtani stated, “I have never bet on sports or had any knowledge of [Mizuhara’s] gambling.”
Major League Baseball conducted its own investigation and officially cleared Ohtani of any wrongdoing in June 2024. The league recognized Ohtani as a victim of fraud and emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting his involvement in any illegal activities.
Despite the personal turmoil, Ohtani’s performance on the field remained exceptional. In the 2024 season, he continued to showcase his