Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter surrenders to authorities on bank fraud charges
LOS ANGELES — The former interpreter for Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani turned himself in to authorities Friday morning, a day after he was federally charged with stealing more than $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player to make illegal sports bets.
LOS ANGELES — The former interpreter for Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani turned himself in to authorities Friday morning, a day after he was federally charged with stealing more than $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player to make illegal sports bets.
Ippei Mizuhara, 39, of Newport Beach, California, is charged with bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Mizuhara was released Friday on $25,000 bond, Mizuhara’s attorney Michael Freedman said.
“He is continuing to cooperate with the legal process and is hopeful that he can reach an agreement with the government to resolve this case as quickly as possible so that he can take responsibility,” Freedman said in a statement. “He wishes to apologize to Mr. Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and his family. As noted in court, he is also eager to seek treatment for his gambling.”
During his initial appearance in court, Mizuhara was ordered to remain in the Central District of California, an area of Southern California that includes Los Angeles County. He can not contact Ohtani and must complete a gambler’s addiction program, Freedman confirmed to NBC News.
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