It’s already a strange case involving Shohei Otani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, but this is just another strange development.
Ryan Boyajian, a current cast member on “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” is an official who Mizuhara allegedly sent money to to pay off excessive gambling debts to an alleged California bookmaker. Met. According to a report by ESPN.
The Justice Department announced that Mizuhara pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of bank fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
Mizuhara is accused of stealing nearly $17 million from Otani’s bank account without Otani’s permission or knowledge to cover gambling debts.
According to a report released before the Justice Department’s release, Mr. Boyajian was the person who told Mr. Mizuhara that the alleged bookmaker, Matthew Bowyer, could wire money to him.
The reality TV personality was reportedly seen gambling with Bowyer at Resorts World Las Vegas and other Las Vegas casinos using marker accounts that Boyajian refilled with money paid by Mizuhara. It is being said.
Mr. Boyajian and Mr. Bowyer have reportedly been friends for nearly 20 years, and Mr. Boyajian’s criminal attorney, Stephen Katzman, told ESPN that his client is cooperating with federal authorities.
“There is an active investigation and Ryan is cooperating with authorities, so I cannot confirm or deny what is happening,” Katzman told the outlet. “He is not a bookmaker or a sub-bookmaker.”
There are also reports that Mr. Boyajian received immunity in exchange for his testimony.
Defendant Mizuhara is scheduled to appear in court again on May 14th.
He could be sentenced to 33 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine.
Mr. Mizuhara must also pay full compensation to the victims.
“The scope of this defendant’s deception and theft is enormous,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement Wednesday. “He used his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel his dangerous gambling habits. We are committed to ensuring that we are exposed to
