The legal showdown between the U.S. government and Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, has taken a dramatic turn. After Mizuhara pleaded guilty to embezzling a staggering $17 million from the Los Angeles Angels superstar, federal prosecutors are now eyeing his prized possession – a collection of valuable baseball cards.
The court drama unfolded with a legal filing on Monday, as federal prosecutors made a bold move to request permission from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California to seize Mizuhara’s prized baseball card collection. This collection, purchased between January and March 2024 with over $325,000 of Ohtani’s money, features cards showcasing legendary players like Yogi Berra, Juan Soto, and even Ohtani himself.
As part of the plea agreement Mizuhara entered into earlier, prosecutors are pushing for the forfeiture of not just the baseball cards but also associated packaging materials and card-protecting equipment. In a bid to hold Mizuhara accountable, prosecutors aim to strip him of items purchased with Ohtani’s funds, including other sports memorabilia.
Mizuhara, who played the roles of a trusted friend, interpreter, and unofficial manager to Ohtani since 2018, faced the music in June when he formally pleaded guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud. His illicit activities, including diverting chunks of Ohtani’s earnings to feed his gambling habits and buy high-end baseball collectibles, have painted a picture of betrayal and deceit.
The sentencing hearing for Mizuhara is scheduled for late October, with the court expected to deliberate on the government’s forfeiture request as part of the punishment. The case, officially titled United States v. Mizuhara, is one that has captivated the sports world with its blend of financial fraud and baseball memorabilia frenzy.
As the legal battle rages on, the fate of Mizuhara’s treasured baseball card collection hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of the consequences of greed and betrayal in the world of professional sports.
