The former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing millions from the slugger and pitcher to pay off gambling debts.
Ippei Mizuhara admitted to the theft of $17 million when he appeared in a Santa Ana federal courtroom, as reported by the Associated Press.
“The duo’s personal and professional relationship allowed Mizuhara to exploit his access to the two-way player,” the AP explained. “Prosecutors say he plundered millions from Ohtani’s account for years, at times impersonating him to bankers, to pay off sports gambling debts.”
Ohtani was not involved in the scheme, authorities said.
Mizuhara pleaded guilty to two charges: bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison on the bank fraud charge and three years on the tax return charge.
In a statement on social media, the Dodgers said the team is ready to move past the scandal.
“With today’s plea in the criminal proceedings against Ippei Mizuhara and the conclusion of both federal and MLB investigations, the Dodgers are pleased that Shohei and the team can put this entire matter behind them and move forward in pursuit of a World Series title,” the team said.
Ohtani expressed a similar sentiment in a statement of his own.
“Now that the investigation has been completed, this full admission of guilt has brought important closure to me and my family,” he said. “I want to sincerely thank the authorities for finishing their thorough and effective investigation so quickly and uncovering all of the evidence.
“This has been a uniquely challenging time, so I am especially grateful for my support team – my family, agent, agency, lawyers, and advisors along with the entire Dodger organization, who showed endless support throughout this process.
“It’s time to close this chapter, move on and continue to focus on playing and winning ballgames.”
