Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to bank and tax fraud, a formality ahead of a plea deal he has negotiated with federal prosecutors.
Mizuhara stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off sports gambling debts during a long scheme, at times impersonating Ohtani to bankers, and exploited his personal and professional relationship with the two-way player.
Mizuhara signed a plea agreement that detailed the allegations on May 5, and prosecutors announced it several days later.
Via ESPN