In the already peculiar case that embroiled Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, this is just another odd twist.
Current cast member of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” Ryan Boyajian was the alleged associate who Mizuhara wired money to in order to pay off excessive gambling debts to an alleged California bookmaker, according to an ESPN report.
Mizuhara pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return, the Justice Department announced.
Mizuhara allegedly stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts, taking the money from Ohtani’s bank account without the star’s permission or knowledge.
Boyajian was the associate who Mathew Bowyer, the alleged bookmaker, told Mizuhara he could wire the money to, according to the report released prior to the Justice Department announcement.
The reality TV personality is said to have been seen gambling at Resorts World Las Vegas and other Vegas casinos with Bowyer using marker accounts that Boyajian would replenish using the money Mizuhara would pay.
Boyajian and Bowyer have been friends for nearly 20 years, according to the report, and Boyajian’s criminal attorney, Steven Katzman, told ESPN that his client was working with federal authorities.
“Because there is an active investigation and Ryan is working with the authorities, he can’t confirm or deny what is going on,” Katzman said to the outlet. “He is not a bookmaker or a sub-bookie.”
It was also reported that Boyajian received immunity in exchange for his testimony.
Mizuhara is scheduled to be back in court on May 14.
He’s facing 33 years in prison and fines of $1.25 million.
Mizuhara also will have to pay full restitution to his victims.
“The extent of this defendant’s deception and theft is massive,” United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement Wednesday. “He took advantage of his position of trust to take advantage of Mr. Ohtani and fuel a dangerous gambling habit. My office is committed to vindicating victims throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice.”
