The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is expected to plead not guilty to bank and tax fraud charges in a federal court in Los Angeles. Ippei Mizuhara is accused of stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover sports gambling debts over several years. Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to bankers and took advantage of their personal and professional relationship.
Mizuhara has negotiated a plea deal with federal prosecutors, which includes pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Despite the expected not guilty plea at the arraignment, Mizuhara is anticipated to plead guilty at a later date.
