January 31, 2025 3 min read

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Prosecutors Refute Mizuhara’s Gambling Addiction Claims

Federal prosecutors argue there is no evidence Ippei Mizuhara had a gambling addiction before he began stealing from LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani

In April 2024, radio and television personality Craig Carton argued that Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who allegedly stole $16 million from the Japanese baseball star to cover gambling debt, was suffering from “textbook gambling addiction.”

In June 2024, Mizuhara pleaded guilty, admitting that he had access to the athlete’s bank accounts and used his money to pay back a big gambling debt.

On Thursday, federal prosecutors rejected these claims, stating there was no credible evidence of a long-term gambling addiction before Mizuhara began diverting funds from the Los Angeles Dodgers star.

Mizuhara is set for sentencing on February 6. He recently requested an 18-month prison term instead of the nearly five years prosecutors are seeking, attributing his crimes to a “long-standing” gambling problem, claiming he visited casinos “four to five times a week.”

“Self-Serving and Uncorroborated” Psychologist Statements 

Prosecutors refuted his claims, citing a lack of substantial proof of addiction. They dismissed Mizuhara’s statements to a psychologist hired for sentencing purposes, calling them “self-serving and uncorroborated.”

“All defendants claim to be remorseful at the time of sentencing,” prosecutors wrote. “The question courts must answer is whether the defendant is truly remorseful or whether they are just sorry they were caught,” they added in the filling. 

Mizuhara’s attorney, Michael Freedman, didn’t comment on the prosecutors’ arguments.

“Mizuhara Could Have Used His Own Money” 

An investigation of over 30 casinos found “minimal evidence” of Mizuhara’s past gambling. Prosecutors were only able to find a single documented instance in the form of a $200 expenditure at the Mirage in 2008

Prosecutors attached records, including Mizuhara’s California driver’s license and a spreadsheet of Mirage casino bets.

Mizuhara registered for a FanDuel account in 2018 but never placed a bet on the platform. He started gambling with DraftKings in 2023 after already stealing millions from Ohtani.

Records show Mizuhara bet between $5 and $1,400 on sports, contradicting his claim of overwhelming debt. 

When his first fraudulent $40,000 wire transfer occurred in 2021, he had over $34,000 in his checking account.

“[Mizuhara] could have used his own money to pay the bookie but instead chose to steal from Mr. Ohtani,” prosecutors wrote.

Moreover, prosecutors also alleged Mizuhara used Ohtani’s debit card for rent, contradicting his claim of financial hardship.

“He had no expenses,” they wrote, noting Ohtani even provided him with a Porsche. His account held over $30,000 in March 2023 and exceeded $195,000 in March 2024, just before ESPN’s investigation exposed his fraud.

Despite Ohtani urging him to pursue book and commercial deals, Mizuhara declined. However, he authored at least one children’s book about Ohtani.

Prosecutors insist “a significant period of incarceration is necessary,” maintaining their recommendation of a 57-month sentence, three years of supervised release, and restitution exceeding $17 million.

“There is no doubt” Mizuhara “feels ashamed,” they further stated, but accused him of trying to “justify stealing millions from Mr. Ohtani” instead of showing genuine remorse. 

After finishing her master's in publishing and writing, Melanie began her career as an online editor for a large gaming blog and has now transitioned over towards the iGaming industry. She helps to ensure that our news pieces are written to the highest standard possible under the guidance of senior management.

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