Baseball star Ohtani’s ex-interpreter to appear in court for sentencing in betting case
Associated PressFEB 7
Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter Gets 57 Months for $17M Theft
Above: Ippei Mizuhara leaves the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse in Santa Ana, California on Feb. 6, 2025. Image copyright: Patrick T. Fallon/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Thursday was sentenced to 57 months in prison by a federal district judge John W. Holcomb for stealing approximately $17M from Ohtani to cover gambling debts.
Previously, the former interpreter in June 2024 pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing false tax returns, with prosecutors seeking and receiving a 57-month sentence despite Mizuhara's request for an 18-month term.
The judge also ordered Mizuhara to pay $18M in restitution, including nearly $17M to Ohtani and $1.1M to the Internal Revenue Service. His prison sentence is set to begin on March 24.
The Spin
Narrative A
Mizuhara's crimes are deserving of this severe sentence. He exploited his unique position of trust to systematically defraud his employer and friend while carefully concealing his actions through elaborate schemes. This sentence — combined with federal and Major League Baseball investigations clearing Ohtani — should put this ordeal in the past.
Narrative B
Not enough has been done to consider that Mizuhara's actions stemmed from a serious gambling addiction exacerbated by the pressures of his job and limited income. He took desperate measures to cover mounting debts and should be punished, but moving forward more should be done to take care of those who help take care of sports superstars.
Metaculus Prediction
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