LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Otani He is scheduled to plead not guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion charges on Tuesday, a formal step ahead of a plea deal he struck with federal prosecutors in a wide-ranging sports betting case.
the prosecutor said Ippei Mizuhara He is accused of abusing his public and private relationships, sometimes impersonating Japanese baseball players, and stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani in a long-running scheme with bankers to pay off sports gambling debts. Mizuhara signed a plea agreement detailing the charges on May 5, which prosecutors announced a few days later.
Mr. Mizuhara's arraignment in federal court in Los Angeles is scheduled for Tuesday, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Gene P. Rosenbluth charges him with one count of bank fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. They will ask you to submit a written answer to the matter. Although he has already agreed to a plea deal, the anticipated not guilty plea is a procedural step as the case progresses. He is expected to plead guilty at a later date.
there was There is no evidence that Otani was involved. Or are aware of Suwon's gambling and the players cooperate with investigatorssaid the authorities.
Ohtani appears in court after being forced to appear due to back strain withdraw from Saturday night game A matchup against the San Diego Padres. He missed Sunday's game as a precaution, but heading into Monday's game against the San Francisco Giants he was having a great season, hitting 11 home runs and batting .352, the best in the National League. .
According to Mizuhara's plea agreement, Mizuhara must pay nearly $17 million in total restitution to Otani and more than $1 million to the IRS. These amounts are subject to change prior to sentencing. The bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, and the false tax return charge carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in federal prison.
Mizuhara's winning stakes totaled more than $142 million and were deposited into his own bank account, not Ohtani's. However, his losing bets were approximately $183 million, making his net loss nearly $41 million. He didn't bet on baseball.
He is free on an unsecured $25,000 bond, known colloquially as a “signature bond,” meaning he did not have to post any cash or collateral to be free. If he violates the terms of his bond, including a requirement to receive treatment for gambling addiction, he will be required to pay $25,000 in restitution.
Los Angeles Times and ESPN News of the charges broke in late March, leading the Dodgers to fire the interpreter and the pitcher. MLB begins independent investigation.
MLB rules PROHIBITIONS FOR PLAYERS AND TEAM EMPLOYEES Betting on baseball is prohibited, even if it is legal. MLB also prohibits betting on other sports by illegal or offshore bookmakers.
Ohtani tried to stay focused on the scene as the case made its way through the courts. Hours after the former interpreter appeared in court for the first time in April, he punched himself in the neck. 175th home run in MLB career — During the Dodgers' 8-7 loss to the San Diego Padres in the 11th inning, he tied Hideki Matsui for the most by a Japanese-born player.
