LOS ANGELES—The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is expected to plead not guilty Tuesday to bank and tax fraud, a formality ahead of a plea deal he’s negotiated with federal prosecutors in a wide-ranging sports betting case.
Prosecutors said Ippei Mizuhara allegedly stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off sports-gambling debts during a yearslong scheme, at times impersonating the Japanese baseball player to bankers, and exploited their personal and professional relationship. Mr. Mizuhara signed a plea agreement that detailed the allegations on May 5, and prosecutors announced it several days later.
