Take Me Out to the Courthouse · Players in the Dock
Lost in Translation
United States v. Ippei Mizuhara (2025)
Charge: Bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return — draining a star player's bank accountCourt: U.S. District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaDocket: Players in the Dock
Did an aide who secretly moved his employer's money to cover his own gambling debts commit bank fraud?
The facts
A superstar's longtime interpreter and close aide helped him set up a bank account soon after he arrived in the major leagues. Over about 28 months, more than 40 wire transfers totaling nearly $17 million left that account without the player's knowledge. Prosecutors said the aide changed the account's contact details and posed as the player on calls to the bank. The money paid off his losses with an illegal bookmaker. The aide also filed a tax return that left out the money.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Ippei Mizuhara, U.S. District Court, C.D. California; sentenced Feb. 6, 2025 (57 months)
Read more at abc13.com. The source reveals the outcome.