Ippei Mizuhara, who served as Shohei Ohtani's interpreter and manager, has appealed to Judge John W. Holcomb for a lighter sentence in his bank and tax fraud case. Mizuhara's letter, obtained by The Athletic, details the immense pressure and financial difficulties he faced while working for the baseball superstar, ultimately leading to his gambling addiction and subsequent crimes.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a 57-month prison sentence and $18 million in restitution, while Mizuhara has requested an 18-month term. In his letter, he describes shouldering a heavy workload for Ohtani, acting as driver, trainer, errand-runner, and more, all while managing communications with Ohtani's Japanese management team. This demanding schedule, coupled with the international time difference, often left him sleep-deprived.
Mizuhara claims the offseason proved even more challenging, with responsibilities ranging from coordinating training sessions to managing Ohtani's personal affairs. He also alleges that Ohtani and his company prevented him from pursuing additional income opportunities, such as book deals and media appearances.
Despite his significant contributions, Mizuhara claims his compensation was insufficient. He reports receiving $85,000 from the Angels in 2018, with gradual increases to $250,000 in 2023. However, he states that Ohtani only paid him around $11,000 annually. The combination of low pay, high living expenses near Ohtani's residence, and restricted earning potential led Mizuhara to believe he was severely underpaid. Fearful of losing his job, he refrained from addressing the issue.
Feeling trapped by his financial circumstances, Mizuhara turned to gambling as a potential solution. This ultimately spiraled into a devastating addiction and the fraudulent activities for which he is now facing sentencing. He admits to using Ohtani's funds to cover his mounting gambling debts, expressing remorse for his actions while maintaining that it felt like his only recourse at the time.
Mizuhara's letter presents his perspective on the events leading to his crimes, highlighting the pressures and financial struggles he claims contributed to his downfall. It remains to be seen how Judge Holcomb will weigh these factors in determining Mizuhara's sentence.
