BREAKING: An illegal bookmaker connected to the former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been sentenced to just over one year in prison. Mathew Bowyer, aged 50, received a sentence of 12 months and one day from U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb on Friday. This urgent update comes as the case reveals extensive connections to high-profile figures in sports.
Bowyer must surrender to authorities by October 10 and will undergo two years of supervised release. In addition, he is mandated to participate in gambling addiction counseling, highlighting the personal struggles linked to his crime. Bowyer’s case underscores the far-reaching consequences of illegal gambling, especially as he previously paid $1.6 million in restitution prior to sentencing.
In August 2024, Bowyer pleaded guilty to charges that include running an illegal gambling business and money laundering. The court found the tax-related crime particularly significant, with Judge Holcomb stating, “Justice demands there be some custody time.” Prosecutors initially sought a lighter sentence, advocating for 15 months due to Bowyer’s cooperation in securing convictions against Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s former interpreter, who is now serving a 57-month sentence at FCI Allenwood Low in Pennsylvania.
Bowyer’s attorney, Bass, argued for home confinement, claiming that Bowyer’s actions primarily harmed the government and that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s fraudulent activities. “He did not think he was taking advantage of anyone,” she asserted. However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Williams countered this by emphasizing the societal impact of Bowyer’s crimes, stating that his notoriety was troubling.
Notably, Ryan Boyajian, a cast member of “Real Housewives of Orange County” and Bowyer’s associate, attended the sentencing. Boyajian received immunity for his testimony regarding the wire transfers made from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s gambling operation. The courtroom was filled with Bowyer’s family and friends, illustrating the personal ramifications of this high-profile case.
Bowyer operated a significant gambling business, boasting over 700 clients across multiple years. His connection with Mizuhara began in 2021 during a poker game in San Diego, leading to Mizuhara placing nearly 19,000 wagers and losing close to $41 million. Mizuhara’s theft of nearly $17 million from Ohtani to settle his gambling debts has raised alarm bells within the sports community.
The alarming details came to light in March 2024 when ESPN began investigating substantial wire transfers from Ohtani’s account to Bowyer’s operation. This incident has sparked widespread media interest, drawing attention to the intersection of sports, gambling, and personal integrity.
As Bowyer begins his prison sentence, the implications of this case remain significant. The fallout may affect Ohtani’s reputation and the larger conversation about gambling in professional sports. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.