Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, turned himself in to federal authorities a day after being indicted on bank fraud charges for allegedly stealing more than $16 million from the Dodgers two-way superstar. According to ESPN.
Mizuhara, who is a close friend of Otani and has worked with him since 2017, is in federal custody and is reportedly scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles court at 1pm PT.
Sports betting is illegal in California, and Mizuhara is suspected of using an illegal bookmaker to place his bets.
Mizuhara has worked with Ohtani as a starter and designated hitter since he joined the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent in December 2017.
The current American League MVP signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, bringing Mizuhara with him.
Mr. Mizuhara was subsequently fired.
