Legal representatives from the US Department of Justice yesterday requested a deferral in the arraignment of Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara, a translator, allegedly participated in a massive gambling operation, defrauding millions of dollars from his previous acquaintance, Shohei Ohtani.
For several years, Mizuhara served as an interpreter and confidante to the star player of the Los Angeles Dodgers, providing unwavering support throughout his career. More importantly, he performed the role of a manager for Ohtani, always being there for him.
Nevertheless, unbeknownst to Ohtani, Mizuhara was exploiting his proximity to access Ohtani’s funds for gambling activities and to clear his own gambling debts. Based on prior reports, Mizuhara drained a total of $16 million into an illicit operation led by Matthew Bowyer, a well-known personage in the California gambling scene. Mizuhara is thought to have made over 19,000 unlawful bets between 2021 and 2024.
Mizuhara’s gambling activities were unveiled in March, resulting in his termination. He currently faces a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Michael Freedman, Mizuhara’s attorney, concurred with the idea to delay the arraignment until May 14. However, this has not been officially sanctioned as of the present moment.
For clarification, the initial arraignment date for Mizuhara was scheduled for May 9.
Ohtani’s Performance Remains Stellar Amid the Investigation
Law enforcement agencies contend that Ohtani has been exploited by Mizuhara’s betting machinations. In past press briefings, the sportsman expressed his shock and disenchantment upon discovering he had been defrauded by someone so close.
Despite this turbulent scenario, Ohtani hasn’t let it affect his performance and has continued to prosper. As per the manager of the Dodgers, Ohtani currently seems to have a closer kinship with the rest of his team and is seen more frequently outside the batter’s box.
In a public statement, the baseball icon commended his new translator and extended gratitude to the Dodgers for their unreserved backing.
Simultaneously, high-ranking officials in the MLB have not currently planned to conduct an internal investigation. In the words of commissioner Bob Manfred, the preference is to yield to the federal authorities, who are equipped with superior investigatory tools.
Manfred further stated that this is a unique circumstance where his team can permit an investigation to progress without needing to intercede.
