Ohtani's Interpreter Sentencing Delayed After $17 Million Theft

Former Interpreter for Shohei Ohtani Sentencing Postponed

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star Shohei Ohtani, was expected to begin his nearly five-year prison term on Monday, February 6, 2025. However, his surrender date has been postponed, according to federal prosecutors. The reason for the change and Mizuhara's new surrender date are currently under seal.

Mizuhara was sentenced in federal court in Santa Ana last month to four years and nine months for bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's bank account. He was supposed to surrender to authorities by Monday.

Mizuhara has pleaded guilty to the charges and has apologized to Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the government, and his family in court. His lawyer has not yet responded to a request for comment.

As Ohtani's interpreter, Mizuhara was responsible for bridging the gap between the Japanese athlete and his English-speaking teammates and fans. However, authorities say that Mizuhara began accessing Ohtani's bank account in 2021 and changed its security protocols so he could impersonate Ohtani and authorize wire transfers.

Mizuhara has acknowledged using the stolen money to cover his gambling debts and purchase baseball cards and dental bills. He has been ordered to pay $18 million in restitution, with nearly $17 million going to Ohtani and the remainder to the IRS. He was also sentenced to three years' supervised release on top of the prison sentence.

Inside baseball, Mizuhara stood by Ohtani's side for many of the athlete's career highlights, including serving as his catcher during the Home Run Derby at the 2021 All-Star Game and being present for his two American League MVP wins and his record-shattering $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Off the field, Mizuhara was Ohtani's friend and confidant. He famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout so he could keep speaking to Ohtani, and he was rehired after a deal was struck.

This case has garnered significant international media attention and stems from a broader investigation into illegal sports bookmaking organizations in Southern California and the laundering of proceeds through casinos in Las Vegas.