Prosecutors Reject Mizuhara's Gambling Addiction Claims

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, faces sentencing on February 6 after pleading guilty to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover alleged gambling debts. However, federal prosecutors contest Mizuhara's claims of a gambling addiction, asserting that their investigation found minimal evidence of such a problem prior to the theft. They noted that Mizuhara had only spent $200 at a casino in 2008 and had registered for a FanDuel account in 2018 without placing any bets. Instead, prosecutors argue that his online gambling activities began only after he had already stolen significant funds from Ohtani. Mizuhara's attorney has requested a reduced sentence of 18 months, citing his purported addiction, while prosecutors are seeking a 57-month sentence and restitution payments. The case raises questions about the credibility of Mizuhara's claims regarding his financial motivations.