Bookmaker Matthew Bowyer Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges

Mathew Bowyer, a bookmaker linked to Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Bowyer's illegal operation lasted at least five years and involved more than 700 bettors, including Mizuhara, who placed 19,000 bets and accumulated significant gambling debts. Mizuhara reportedly embezzled nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover his losses, which totalled over $182 million. Bowyer faces a maximum of 18 years in prison, but his plea deal may result in a lighter sentence if he cooperates with authorities. Both Bowyer and Mizuhara have denied any wrongdoing on Ohtani's part, asserting he was unaware of Mizuhara's gambling activities. Mizuhara is scheduled for sentencing on October 25 after pleading guilty to bank fraud and tax charges.