Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, reports to federal prison for $17 million in theft

On the same day that Shohei Ohtani will pitch in a major league game for the first time since 2023, his former interpreter reported to federal prison in Pennsylvania, ESPN reported.

Ippei Mizuhara is serving a 57-month prison sentence for stealing nearly $17 million to pay off gambling debts while employed by Ohtani. Mizuhara, 40, was charged with bank fraud and tax fraud for which he faced up to 33 years in prison. Prosecutors recommended the 57-month sentence while the defense requested 18 months.

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The $17 million is the sum Mizuhara was ordered to pay Ohtani in restitution for the $40.3 million in net losses run up from 19,000 wagers made with bookmaker Mathew Bowyer during a period between December 2021 and January 2024.

Bowyer is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in August to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering and subscribing a false tax return.

Mizuhara was initially ordered to report to prison in March, but was granted a delay by a federal judge. The reason for delay was not given and is under court seal, ESPN’s Tisha Thompson reported.

The former interpreter is expected to be deported to Japan following his prison term, according to his attorney, Michael Freedman, and prosecutors. Mizuhara grew up in the United States and is a legal permanent resident, but is a citizen of Japan. He came with Ohtani to the U.S. in 2018 when the two-way superstar began his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels.

Mizuhara’s theft was discovered with at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani’s bank account to an associate of Bowyer’s while Bowyer was being investigated by federal authorities. Upon learning of the theft, the Los Angeles Dodgers fired Mizuhara as the 2024 MLB season began. He was formally charged one month later.