Shohei Ohtani could face multiple felony charges in gambling case, legal experts say
Shohei Ohtani still not out of legal trouble
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has kicked off his season with impressive athletic performances, batting .385 in his initial three games, contributing two RBIs, five hits, and a stolen base. However, off the field, he finds himself embroiled in controversy.
Ohtani is currently under investigation by Major League Baseball (MLB) regarding a gambling case involving his former associate, Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani alleges that Mizuhara unlawfully withdrew 4.5 million dollars from his bank accounts to settle debts owed to an illegal bookmaker.
Here was the interaction between Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his translator Mizuhara
Despite Ohtani‘s assertions, legal experts consulted by Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic suggest that he may not be completely absolved of responsibility, particularly if Mizuhara‘s initial version of events is substantiated.
According to Mizuhara‘s account to ESPN, Ohtani was aware of his gambling issues and provided financial assistance to alleviate his debt. Conversely, Ohtani‘s legal team has refuted these claims, asserting that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s activities and was, in fact, a victim of significant theft.
Is this potentially a legal issue?
Evan J. Davis, an attorney at Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez, suggests that Ohtani could have potentially violated California law if he knowingly paid off Mizuhara‘s gambling debt, an act classified as illegal in the state.
Such actions could result in misdemeanor or felony charges, including fines, imprisonment for up to a year, or both, particularly for first-time offenders.
Furthermore, former federal prosecutor Rocco Cipparone Jr. raises the possibility that Ohtani could face federal charges of money laundering if it is proven that he knowingly facilitated the payment of illicit gambling debts. Such charges carry severe penalties, including a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Presently, Ohtani is not the subject of an investigation by law enforcement agencies in the gambling case involving Ippei Mizuhara.
Instead, Mizuhara is under a joint investigation by the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security, alongside illegal bookmaker Matt Bowyer.
