Major League Baseball formally closed its investigation into gambling allegations surrounding Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s longtime performer and close confidant, after Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges on Tuesday.
Mizuhara, who worked for Ohtani throughout the superstar’s Angels career and during his first spring training with the Dodgers, admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani during a change of plea hearing in federal court in Santa Ana. , California. Mizahura faces a maximum total sentence of 33 years, and his sentencing is scheduled for October 25.
“I worked for Victim A and had access to his bank account and had incurred significant gambling debts,” Mizuhara said in court. “I went ahead and transferred money…with his bank account.”
MLB issued the following statement following Mizuhara’s guilty plea:
“Based on the thoroughness of the federal investigation that was made public, the information collected by MLB, and the criminal proceeding resolved uncontested, MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed.”
The Dodgers, who signed Ohtani to a record 10-year, $700 million contract as a free agent over the winter, also issued a statement:
“With today’s deposition in the criminal proceedings against Ippei Mizuhara and the conclusion of the federal and MLB investigations, the Dodgers are pleased that Shohei and the team can put this whole matter behind them and move forward in their quest for a championship. World Series”.
In March, after Ohtani’s lawyers accused Mizuhara of “massive theft” from the superstar to pay bets with an allegedly illegal sportsbook that is under federal investigation, the Dodgers fired Mizuhara and the MLB Investigations Department. began his investigation into the matter.
When federal authorities filed an affidavit in April charging Mizuhara with bank fraud, there was no evidence that Ohtani had knowledge of Mizuhara’s gambling activities or the use of his bank account to pay debts. Investigators had reviewed years of text messages between Ohtani and Mizuhara and found no conversations about gambling.
“I want to emphasize this point: Mr. Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” federal prosecutor Martín Estrada said during a press conference in April.
2024-06-04 22:24:37
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