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At some point after Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter was charged with financial institution fraud for stealing $16 million from the Japanese baseball star, he was launched on $25,000 bond after making his first, temporary Los Angeles court docket look.
Ippei Mizuhara had surrendered to federal authorities Friday morning. He didn’t enter a plea throughout his court docket look.
The Dodgers celebrity accused his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, of huge theft and a federal investigation uncovered that funds had been stolen to cowl Mizuhara’s playing money owed, and the quantity is far larger than what was first reported to be “a minimum of $4.5 million.”
“In accordance with the criticism, Mr. Mizuhara stole this cash, largely to finance his voracious urge for food for unlawful sports activities betting,” U.S. Legal professional Martin Estrada stated at an April 11 information convention.
Whereas questions lingered if Ohtani was concerned, or knew of the betting, he denied it, and federal legislation enforcement officers name Ohtani a sufferer.
Serving as Ohtani’s interpreter and right-hand man, Mizuhara arrange a checking account for Ohtani’s baseball wage deposits, had full entry, and even impersonated Ohtani to swindle funds from the account.
Estrada stated since 2021, Mizuhara made 1000’s of sports activities wagers, however not on baseball.
When first confronted with the theft accusation, Mizuhara stated that Ohtani paid his playing money owed for him. At some point later, Mizuhara modified his story, saying Ohtani did not know something concerning the money owed, and had not transferred any funds to bookmakers.
On March 25, Ohtani held a Dodger Stadium information convention saying that he by no means wager on sports activities or knowingly paid any playing money owed collected by his interpreter.
“I’m very saddened and shocked somebody whom I trusted has completed this,” the Japanese star stated by means of a brand new interpreter.
“Ippei has been stealing cash from my account and has been telling lies,” Ohtani stated.
Whereas Mizuhara, 39 will make a quick look in court docket Friday, he’s anticipated to be launched on bond. The U.S. Legal professional’s workplace doesn’t count on him to enter a plea.
Mizuhara might resist 30 years in federal jail if convicted of the cost. He’s due again in court docket Might 9.
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