Mizuhara Still Free After Missing Surrender Deadline

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, has received another delay in reporting to prison. He now has until 16 June to surrender, nearly three months after his original deadline.

Good to know

• Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing a false tax return.
• He racked up $40.2 million in losses from illegal sports bets.
• His new surrender date is set for 16 June.

Mizuhara was supposed to report to federal prison on Monday but received a second continuance, according to new court filings. U.S. District Judge John Holcomb previously sentenced him to 57 months, allowing him to voluntarily surrender within 45 days of sentencing.

In a new hearing held on 8 May, Mizuhara asked for another extension. The judge granted the request, but no reason for the delay has been shared publicly. By Monday afternoon, Mizuhara was still listed as “not in BOP custody” in the federal registry.

Authorities revealed that Mizuhara placed more than 19,000 bets over 37 months, losing over $40 million. The bets were made with illegal bookmaker Matt Bowyer. Mizuhara admitted to stealing at least $17 million from Ohtani to fund his gambling.

Back in February, Mizuhara broke down in court and apologized to Ohtani. His legal team had him evaluated by a forensic psychologist before sentencing. It remains unclear whether he has entered any treatment for gambling addiction.

Once his sentence is over, Mizuhara could be extradited to Japan, depending on further legal decisions.