The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani who faces federal charges for allegedly stealing millions from MLB's highest-paid player in a gambling scheme, was ordered to attend gambling addiction counseling and released on bond following his first court appearance on Friday.
Mizuhara surrendered to federal authorities on Friday and his bond was set at $25,000 during his initial court appearance Friday afternoon. The terms of his probation bar him from gambling and require that he attend gambling addiction counseling, among other conditions. He must also not have any contact with witnesses or victims in the case, including Ohtani.
Estrada stressed that Ohtani is considered a victim in the case and has cooperated "fully and completely" in the investigation. "Our investigation has revealed that due to the position of trust that he occupied with Mr. Ohtani, Mr. Mizuhara had unique access to Mr. Ohtani's finances," Estrada said. "Mr. Mizuhara used and abused that position of trust in order to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani."The federal investigation is being conducted by the Los Angeles offices of IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, the main investigative arm of the U.S.