Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter sentenced for stealing nearly $17 million

New news from the MLB world has shocked the public. 

Namely, the former interpreter of baseball star Shohei Ohtani was sentenced yesterday to almost five years in prison for bank and tax fraud, having stolen almost 17 million dollars from the bank account of a 30-year-old Japanese player. 

Ippei Mizuhara, a trusted person, and a man whom Ohtani expected to be an important link in his development within the team, admitted his guilt and will end up in prison. 

Mizuhara is obliged to pay 18 million dollars, of which 17 will go to Ohtani, while the rest will go to the account of the US Tax Administration. 

Federal judge John W. Holcomb said during the verdict that he was somewhat shocked by the extent of the theft, stressing that he hopes that Mizuhara would be able to return the sum. 

Although the former interpreter of the MLB star apologized, many are not sure of the sincerity of his words. Mizuhara stressed that he deeply regrets what he did, admitting that he is ready to be punished.

“I am truly, deeply sorry for what I have done,” Mizuhara said. “I am prepared to be punished for it.”

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What many people don't know is that Mizuhara had gambling debts, and he wanted to pay off his gambling debts with Ohtani's money. Fans and people close to this MLB player are outraged by the behavior of this person, considering that he wanted to take advantage of Shohei's lack of knowledge of the language, in order to earn huge money. 

Acting US Attorney Joseph T. McNally pointed out to the media that Mizuhara lied, cheated and stole, declaring his behavior unacceptable. Mizuhara's lawyer did not announce himself, but during the trial he stressed that gambling addiction was one of the reasons why he should receive a lesser sentence.