Recently spotted by celebrity photographers in Los Angeles, Ippei Mizuhara, once the interpreter for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, now earns his living delivering for Uber Eats, according to the New York Post.
Following his admittance to charges of bank and tax fraud linked to embezzling funds from his former friend and colleague Ohtani to settle sports betting debts, Mizuhara has taken on this new occupation.
At 39, the ex-translator pledged guilty to swiping a staggering $17 million from Ohtani’s account, resulting in his termination and subsequent shift in career trajectory. As it turns out, Mizuhara is charting his future by joining the ranks of food delivery drivers.
Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara delivering Uber Eats after fraud scandal
Governed by conditions set out by Judge Maria Audero, including the instruction to gain and maintain employment, Mizuhara has seemingly chosen an independent career path conducive to flexible scheduling as a delivery worker in the gig economy.
This may largely be due to the fact that finding employment is typically challenging for individuals with a criminal record, particularly for offenses involving theft.
Alternately, Mizuhara’s skill set might suit roles like those at a multilingual call center or potentially at a betting firm such as DraftKings.
Levity aside, the scandal has undoubtedly led to a sobering downfall for Mizuhara, costing him his ideal job, his friendship with Ohtani, and his personal honor due to the profound consequences of a gambling problem.
His betting history includes gains of $142.3 million but losses amounting to $182.9 million, culminating in a staggering net debt of $40.7 million.
One can only wish for a more successful turn in his career with Uber Eats than what occurred in his betting endeavors. Customers will certainly be hopeful that their deliveries are in safe hands with Mizuhara.
In a more solemn reflection, Mizuhara might soon need to interrupt his delivery work, facing the reality of potential prison time. The native of Hokkaido, Japan, could be sentenced to as many as 33 years in a U.S. prison, with his sentencing set for October 25.
