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Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Scott Mitchell | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 6:17 PM ET

A former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison, according to ESPN's Tisha Thompson.

In March of last year, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara.

It was later revealed that he was indebted to bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who was under investigation. Mizuhara had stolen millions from Ohtani's bank account to pay for his wagers.

On June 4, Mizuhara pled guilty to one charge of bank fraud and one count of submitting a false tax return.

His sentencing hearing, initially scheduled for Oct. 25, was moved to Dec. 20 at his request. It was subsequently moved to Jan. 24, 2025.

Mizuhara asked for 18 months but was given what the government wanted.

The judge said Mizuhara misled the court and left out key facts to the case. In a brief statement before sentencing, Mizuhara apologized to Ohtani and others.

"I want to say I am truly sorry to Mr. Ohtani for what I have done," Mizuhara said in court.

On Feb. 6, Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison. He has also been ordered to pay Ohtani nearly $17 million in restitution.

Mizuhara will also have to pay $1.1 million to the IRS, according to Thompson.

It was an unfortunate situation for all involved, but he will now serve his time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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