Shohei Ohtani’s inner circle betrayal ends in prison as ex-interpreter starts prison sentence for $16 million scam

One of baseball's most famous players, Shohei Ohtani, is once again grabbing attention, but not only for his play. While the Los Angeles Dodgers get ready for a big game, attention has turned to a startling chapter from Ohtani's history.

A trusted figure from his early career has now officially started a prison sentence. Fans are surprised by how deep the betrayal went and what it means for Ohtani moving forward.

Ippei Mizuhara reports to prison for stealing from Shohei Ohtani

On Monday, June 3, 2025, Ippei Mizuhara, who once worked as Shohei Ohtani’s personal interpreter, reported to a federal prison in Pennsylvania. Mizuhara will serve 57 months at the Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood Low. He was sentenced for stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani.

Mizuhara helped Ohtani with English during his early years in Major League Baseball. He worked closely with him both on and off the field. But in March 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers fired Mizuhara after discovering he had used Ohtani’s money to place illegal bets and pay gambling debts.The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Mizuhara used his trusted position to commit fraud. He was originally facing up to 33 years in prison.

But after he pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing false tax documents, his sentence was reduced.

Shohei Ohtani reacts to betrayal before returning to the mound

Ohtani shared his feelings shortly after Mizuhara’s actions were exposed last year. Speaking in March 2024, he said, “To find someone I trusted had made such a grave mistake has personally been very sad and upsetting.” He added that it was hard to describe the deep hurt he felt from the betrayal.Also Read: MLB reveals first All-Star vote results with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani dominating early fan supportUnited States Attorney Mark Estrada also commented on the case, saying, “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr.

Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit.”Shohei Ohtani focused on the game notwithstanding the emotional weight. He had what is possibly the best season in baseball history in 2024. He joined the unusual "50-50" club by pilfering 50 bases and blasting 50 home runs in the same year.