Former Interpreter Pleads Guilty to Stealing $17 Million from Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani

SOURCE www.npr.org
Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's bank account to cover gambling debts. Mizuhara now faces up to 33 years in federal prison.

Key Points

  • Ippei Mizuhara pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud and falsifying a tax return
  • Mizuhara stole over $16 million from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to cover his gambling debts
  • Ohtani was not aware of the theft and has cooperated with investigators
  • Mizuhara faces up to 33 years in federal prison and possible deportation
  • Ohtani is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and performing well in the MLB

Pros

  • Justice being served with Mizuhara facing legal consequences for his actions
  • Ohtani cooperating with investigators and not being held responsible for the debts

Cons

  • Ohtani being a victim of financial fraud and theft by someone he trusted
  • Mizuhara's actions tarnishing his reputation and potentially leading to deportation