Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter surrendered Friday to federal authorities and is expected to make his initial court appearance in Los Angeles Friday afternoon — one day after being charged with federal bank fraud for allegedly bilking more than $16 million from the Dodger slugger’s bank account to cover the interpreter’s “insatiable appetite” for illegal sports betting.
Ippei Mizuhara, 39, is scheduled to appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles at 1 p.m., but is not expected to enter a plea, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said the initial appearance will be brief, and Mizuhara is expected to be released on bond at the hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero.
Mizuhara could face up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted of the charge.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said Mizuhara had unique access to Ohtani and his personal affairs due to his relationship with the slugger, for whom he worked as an interpreter since Ohtani joined the Angels organization six years ago. In that capacity, he helped Ohtani set up a bank account in Arizona, which eventually became the source of wire transfers to the illegal gambling operation, Estrada said.
Estrada stressed that Ohtani “is considered a victim in this case.”
“There is no evidence to indicate that Mr. Ohtani authorized the over $16 million in transfers from his account to the bookmakers,” Estrada said.
According to Estrada, Ohtani has been fully cooperating with investigators.
“Our investigation has revealed that due to the position of trust (Mizuhara) occupied with Mr. Ohtani, Mr. Mizuhara had unique access to Mr. Ohtani’s finances,” Estrada said, adding that he “used and abused to that trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani.”
According to Estrada, Mizuhara also allegedly lied to bank officials, and he was captured on tape-recorded calls impersonating Ohtani to “convince the bank to approve large wire transfers of large amounts of…
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