BREAKING: An illegal bookmaker linked to the former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been sentenced to just over a year in prison. On October 6, 2024, U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Mathew Bowyer to 12 months and one day behind bars, followed by two years of supervised release. This urgent sentencing follows Bowyer’s guilty plea earlier this year for running an illegal gambling operation, money laundering, and filing a false tax return.
The implications of this case are significant, as Bowyer is also required to attend gambling addiction counseling and must surrender to authorities by October 10, 2024. He has already paid $1.6 million in restitution prior to the sentencing, highlighting the financial consequences of his actions.
Bowyer, 50, facilitated a large-scale gambling business that operated for years, amassing over 700 clients. This operation came under scrutiny after it was revealed that Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter, placed more than 19,000 bets and lost nearly $41 million, stealing approximately $17 million from Ohtani to cover his debts.
In court, prosecutors emphasized the societal harm caused by Bowyer’s operation, stressing that his crimes went beyond personal addiction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Williams argued, “This case is not simply about an addict who got into trouble,” as Bowyer publicly discussed his connections to Mizuhara and the gambling business.
Bowyer’s attorney, Bass, sought a reduced sentence, claiming that Bowyer was unaware of Mizuhara’s theft from Ohtani and argued that he should serve home confinement instead of prison time. However, Judge Holcomb determined that Bowyer’s actions warranted custody time, stating, “Justice demands there be some custody time.”
The courtroom was packed, including notable figures such as Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of “Real Housewives of Orange County,” who attended in support of Bowyer. Boyajian previously received immunity for his testimony in the case but refrained from commenting after the sentencing.
Bowyer’s operation was uncovered in March 2024, amidst an ESPN investigation into the suspicious wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s gambling business. Mizuhara, who is currently serving a 57-month sentence at FCI Allenwood Low in Pennsylvania, had begun betting with Bowyer after meeting at a poker game in San Diego in 2021.
This case is still developing, with significant implications for both Bowyer and Mizuhara. The extent of their actions has raised questions about accountability in the world of sports and gambling, underscoring the potential dangers of illicit betting activities.
As the legal repercussions continue to unfold, the focus now shifts to the impact on Ohtani and the community, as more details about this high-profile investigation may still emerge. The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers within the gambling industry and its far-reaching consequences.
