LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s former longtime interpreter agreed Friday to undergo court-ordered gambling addiction treatment after federal prosecutors accused him of stealing $16 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts.
Ippei Mizuhara ‘s initial appearance in federal court marked the first time the interpreter has been seen in public since the scandal exploded last month.
Fom the field at Dodgers Stadium hours after Friday’s proceeding, Ohtani said he was “very grateful” for the investigation and would focus on baseball going forward.
Mizuhara exploited his personal and professional relationship with Ohtani to plunder millions from the two-way player’s account for years, at times impersonating Ohtani to bankers, prosecutors said.
He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of one count of bank fraud.
Top clubs urge Brazil's soccer federation to suspend league matches because of flooding
Ethnic Mon groups announce anti
Lebanon says Israeli agents likely killed Hezbollah
Bizarre $1,000 ballet flat sneakers take the fashion world by storm
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert misses Game 2 in Denver
Taylor Swift fans wait in line for FIVE hours as star launches pop
Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killed
NFL draft sees trend of fewer early entrants since NIL policy change
Stars and DeBoer moving on after ousting Cup champ Vegas in tight 7
Capitals top prospect Ryan Leonard is returning to Boston College
WNBA expansion franchise Golden State hires Ohemaa Nyanin as its general manager
Bizarre $1,000 ballet flat sneakers take the fashion world by storm