The Justice Department announced on Thursday that Mizuhara was accused of lender fraud, a criminal offence that can lead to a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, just days after The New York Times reported that Ippei Mizuhara, the former Los Angeles Dodgers ‘ manager, was negotiating a plea deal for the charge.
Prosecutors accuse Mizuhara of wiring more than$ 16 million from Ohtani’s checking account from 2021 to 2024 to place sports bets ranging from$ 10 to$ 160, 000 per bet and an average of around$ 12, 800 per bet. In total, Mizuhara placed around 19, 000 bets on an oath from IRS Special Agent Chris Seymour, or roughly 25 per day. Mizuhara did n’t seem to have the advantage of inside knowledge from working in baseball until it was apparent that it would help him make the right picks. The government says he lost$ 40.7 million.

Mizuhara reportedly placed many, frequently high-value wagers without Ohtani’s acceptance. The contact info on the bill was changed to include Mizuhara’s telephone number and an email address, according to the prosecution. Mizuhara’s publisher, who is not named in charging documents, was inclined to raise his betting lines even when he owed millions of dollars—Mizuhara reportedly texted the bookmakers he was only on a “bad work”. Mizuhara also texted assurances to the bookmaker, including” As you know, you do n’t have to worry about me not paying! “!
Mizuhara is also accused of phoning up as Ohtani in phone calling to” key bank people” to get approval for wire transfers. He also allegedly used Ohtani’s account to buy$ 325, 000 in baseball cards.
Mizuhara being charged is a positive for Ohtani, who has insisted—including to law enforcement—that he does n’t gamble and that he had nothing to do with Mizuhara’s alleged sports betting. Ohtani claims that he was a target and that Mizuhara allegedly financed deals with Ohtani’s bank account indecently.
However, if Mizuhara and the feds tried to reach a guilty plea, Ohtani would never find that to be a good development. According to the Justice Department, Ohtani deliberately provided his mobile phone for review, which would almost certainly mean that he would be a key witness in the test and be expected to turn over writings, emails, social media emails, and other correspondence. Ohtani would need to provide sworn evidence that supports his claim that he is a target. Major League Baseball might use any details he or she stocks to look into the situation.
In a test, Mizuhara’s criminal defense attorneys do attempt to raise uncertainty around the claims. The fact that the reported robbery occurred over a three-year time without Ohtani or his financial counselors or institution officials evidently noticing may raise concerns with judges.

Mizuhara may face more charges related to computer scams, identity theft, and system fraud and abuse. According to the authorities, Mizuhara’s betting is connected to a multistate betting function that involved the trafficking of money through games. Mizuhara may testify as evidence in connection with wagers he reportedly made using Ohtani’s bill as other people are charged.
( This story has been updated to include more information about the Mizuhara allegations. )