Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has turned himself to federal authorities one day after he was charged with bank fraud and accused of stealing more than $16 million from the Dodgers’ two-way superstar, according to ESPN.
Mizuhara, who was Ohtani’s close friend and worked with the pitcher since 2017, reportedly is in federal custody and scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles court at 1 p.m. PT.
Sports betting is illegal in the state of California and Mizuhara is alleged to have used an illegal bookmaker to place bets.
Mizuhara had worked with Ohtani since the starter/designated hitter joined the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent in December 2017.
The reigning American League MVP reached a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in December 2023 and brought Mizuhara with him.
Mizuhara has since been fired.