In a significant development related to Major League Baseball (MLB) star Shohei Ohtani, his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of theft. Mizuhara was accused of embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani over a period of several years to cover substantial gambling debts.

The sentencing took place on Tuesday in a U.S. District Court. Mizuhara, 29 years old, reached an agreement with prosecutors earlier in the year, admitting to using his position to divert funds from Ohtani’s earnings to gambling operations. According to court documents, Mizuhara had been employed by Ohtani since the pitcher’s arrival in the United States from Japan in 2017, serving as a crucial bridge between Ohtani and the American baseball culture.

The embezzlement scheme reportedly began shortly after Mizuhara took on his role as interpreter. He was able to access Ohtani’s finances, allowing him to withdraw large sums of money under the premise of making legitimate payments on behalf of Ohtani, including taxes and business expenses. Mizuhara admitted to misappropriating these funds for personal use, primarily to pay off debts related to gambling, a vice he has struggled with over the years.

Federal prosecutors described the betrayal as not only a financial crime but also a profound breach of trust, given the close working relationship Mizuhara had established with Ohtani. “The defendant exploited his position to commit a massive fraud that robbed his employer of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Phil Talbert. “This significant sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the loss experienced by the victim.”

As part of the court proceedings, Mizuhara expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the impact of his theft on Ohtani’s life and career. The interpreter’s actions have cast a shadow over the professional bond he had with one of baseball’s most prominent players. Mizuhara is also ordered to pay restitution, though the exact amount he will be able to repay remains unclear.

Ohtani, widely recognized not only for his exceptional talent on the field but also for his integrity off it, has not publicly commented in detail on the situation. However, the incident has raised discussions about the importance of safeguarding personal finances in professional sports, particularly for players who