The Shohei Ohtani betting scandal has started to fade away after the initial findings, but the latest news has made things a bit crazy.
The government’s ace prosecutor, who is investigating Ohtani and betting on baseball, has quietly resigned, per the NY Post. This might signal an end to the investigation into Ohtani.
US District Judge John Holcomb sentenced his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, to 57 months in prison. However, Mizuhara’s surrender date was pushed back, leading many to believe he was cooperating with the federal authorities.
“It’s never good for the prosecution when the lead prosecutor leaves the government,” the source said. “You can only hope this will remain a priority.”
Assistant US Attorney Jeff Mitchell led the investigation into Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and explored whether Ohtani may have also bet on baseball games.
He resigned from his office on May 16 and will get paid through September, per the report.
MLB investigated Shohei Ohtani and concluded in June 2024 that he was a victim of fraud.
“This probably makes it more likely this is all done,” the source said to the NY Post. “And is good news for Ohtani and any of the other names that never got charged.”
Shohei Ohtani Is Now Free
The former interpreter for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was sentenced to nearly five years in prison and ordered to pay millions in restitution for bank and tax fraud in the theft of nearly $17 million from the three-time Major League Baseball MVP’s bank account.
Mizuhara, once part of the inner circle of one of the world’s most famous athletes, also faces three years of supervised release.
Mizuhara served as an interpreter between Ohtani and his English-speaking teammates and fans, but authorities said he took advantage of the star instead.
There were rumors that Ohtani may have bet as well, but MLB cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Now that the lead investigator has resigned, Shohei Ohtani is now free.
Also Read: Social Media Uncovers Evidence Exposing Shohei Ohtani For Throwing Games As Part Of Betting Scandal