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Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Begins Prison Sentence in $17M Theft Case

Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Begins Prison Sentence in $17M Theft Case

The man once trusted with every word Shohei Ohtani spoke on and off the field is now behind bars. Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s longtime interpreter and close friend, reported to federal prison on Monday to begin serving a 57-month sentence for stealing nearly $17 million from the baseball superstar.

For years, Mizuhara was always at Ohtani’s side—during interviews, dugout talks, and in the locker room. But the betrayal, hidden beneath years of friendship and loyalty, unraveled one of the closest bonds in baseball.

A Stunning Fall from Grace

Mizuhara, 40, had access to Ohtani’s bank accounts and used that trust to quietly siphon off millions between 2021 and early 2024. Prosecutors say he impersonated Ohtani, changed account settings, and authorized wire transfers to fund a growing gambling addiction.

What began as small withdrawals escalated into a massive fraud. He used the stolen money to pay off debts tied to illegal sports betting. It wasn’t until March 2024, when Ohtani’s team noticed irregularities and brought in federal investigators, that the full extent came to light.

Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Begins Prison Sentence in $17M Theft Case

Mizuhara was quickly fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers and later pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion. He’s been ordered to pay full restitution—over $17 million to Ohtani and more than $1 million to the IRS.

The Deepest Kind of Betrayal

For Ohtani, this was more than a financial crime—it was deeply personal. Mizuhara wasn’t just a translator; he was the person who helped Ohtani navigate life in America, build relationships with teammates, and even prepare for games. The betrayal came from someone he trusted implicitly.

In court, Mizuhara admitted he had lied for years and apologized. He blamed a long-standing gambling addiction and mounting personal stress, saying he had dug himself into a hole he didn’t know how to escape. But no explanation could undo the damage.

Federal prosecutors made clear that Ohtani had no involvement in the scheme and had no idea the money was being taken from his accounts.

Reporting to Prison, Alone

Mizuhara surrendered at the Federal Correctional Institution in Allenwood, a low-security prison about two hours from Philadelphia. He’ll serve nearly five years, followed by three years of supervised release. After that, he’s expected to be deported to Japan.

It’s a sharp contrast from the life he lived just a year ago—traveling with the Dodgers, surrounded by media, and seen on national broadcasts standing beside one of the biggest stars in sports.

Now, he’s inmate number 41423-509, housed in a quiet prison tucked into the hills of Pennsylvania.

A Poignant Coincidence

In a moment filled with symbolism, Shohei Ohtani returned to the pitcher’s mound on the very same day Mizuhara entered prison. It was Ohtani’s first time pitching since 2023, following elbow surgery. He threw fastballs clocked at 100 mph—showing that he’s still capable of dominating the game, even as his former confidant begins a long journey through the justice system.

Ohtani hasn’t spoken publicly in depth about the case, but those close to him say he was heartbroken. Still, he’s focused on moving forward.

A Stark Reminder

This case is a reminder that fame and fortune can’t always protect someone from betrayal. Ohtani, despite his quiet personality and relentless work ethic, was taken advantage of by someone he thought of as family.

And for Mizuhara, the years of secrecy and deceit have led to a lonely path—trading press boxes and stadium lights for prison bars and locked gates.

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