(NewsNation) — Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former translator, is being charged for allegedly stealing more than $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player to cover gambling debts.
Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, said a federal complaint filed Thursday charges Mizuhara with bank fraud.
The New York Times reported earlier that Mizuhara, who was already fired by the Dodgers, is negotiating a plea deal to plead guilty to federal crimes.
Major League Baseball opened a formal investigation into illegal gambling and theft allegations surrounding the interpreter last month.
Ohtani has denied any involvement, and said he was “saddened and shocked” by the allegations against his interpreter.
“I never bet on baseball or any other sports. I never have asked somebody to do it on my behalf and I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports,” Ohtani told reporters.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.
