Prison Surrender Delayed for Ohtani’s Former Interpreter

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, was slated to surrender to authorities Monday to begin his federal prison sentence for stealing nearly $17 million from the Dodgers star player to pay off gambling debts to his bookie. His surrender date has been delayed for unknown reasons.

Mizuhara was sentenced in federal court in Santa Ana last month to four years and nine months for bank and tax fraud after he stole the funds from the Los Angeles Dodgers player’s bank account.

His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment.

The case took a bizarre turn back in May of last year when it was revealed that  "Real Housewives" star Jennifer Pedranti’s fiancé was also embroiled in the gambling scheme directly involving Mizuhara.

The former interpreter wired money to Ryan Boyajian to pay his gambling debts.  Boyajian regularly appeared on the show.

Mizuhara’s illegal bookmaker told the interpreter he could pay his gambling debts by wiring money to “Associate 1” who, according to ESPN, is Boyajian.

“Mizuhara regularly logged into Ohtani’s bank account and initiated wire transfers from the account to the bookmaker and his associates as payments for gambling debts,” a statement from the office of United States Attorney Martin Estrada reads.

“For example, on June 20, 2023, Mizuhara accessed the account without Ohtani’s permission and transferred $500,000 to one of the bookmaker’s associates.”

Steven Katzman, Boyajian’s criminal attorney, told ESPN that his client is working with federal authorities, while sources said that the reality star received immunity in return for his testimony.

“Because there is an active investigation and Ryan is working with the authorities, he can’t confirm or deny what is going on,” Katzman said. “He is not a bookmaker or a sub-bookie."

Boyajian and the alleged illegal bookmaker in question — who ESPN identified as Mathew Bowyer — reportedly spent Mizuhara’s payments in “marker” accounts at casinos.

Ohtani was cleared of any wrongdoing.