UPDATE: An illegal bookmaker linked to former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter Shohei Ohtani has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison. Mathew Bowyer, 50, learned his fate in a Santa Ana, California courtroom on Friday, with U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb delivering the ruling.
Bowyer’s conviction highlights a shocking story of illicit gambling that impacted a major sports figure. He was found guilty of running an illegal gambling operation, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. The judge underscored the seriousness of Bowyer’s crimes, stating, “Justice demands there be some custody time.” He also ordered Bowyer to enter gambling addiction counseling and surrender to authorities by October 10, 2024.
In a significant twist, Bowyer paid $1.6 million in restitution before his sentencing. According to prosecutors, his cooperation in securing convictions against Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, and another bookmaker played a role in their recommendation for a lighter sentence of 15 months. However, Bowyer’s defense argued that his actions did not harm any individuals beyond the government, emphasizing that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s theft from Ohtani to cover gambling debts.
Bowyer’s attorney, Kristen A. Williams, claimed, “He did not think he was taking advantage of anyone,” highlighting the unexpected media frenzy surrounding the case. Despite this, Williams noted the societal impact of Bowyer’s actions, stating, “This case is not simply about an addict who got into trouble.”
The courtroom was packed with family, friends, and even reality TV star Ryan Boyajian, who had ties to Bowyer’s gambling operation. Boyajian previously received immunity for his testimony about the extensive wire transfers from Ohtani’s account.
Court filings reveal Bowyer managed a vast gambling enterprise with more than 700 clients. Mizuhara, who began betting with Bowyer after a poker game in San Diego in 2021, is currently serving a 57-month sentence in Pennsylvania for his role in this scandal. From December 2021 to January 2024, Mizuhara reportedly placed at least 19,000 bets, losing close to $41 million and stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani.
Bowyer disclosed to ESPN that he recognized Mizuhara’s gambling issues within a month of their association, describing the alarming frequency of his bets, including a staggering $100,000 on a single draw between Ukraine and Turkey.
This case, uncovering a web of gambling addiction and betrayal, has captured the attention of the public and media alike. As Bowyer prepares to serve his sentence, the implications of his actions continue to reverberate within the sports community and beyond.
As the story unfolds, observers are left to consider the broader consequences of gambling addiction and its impact on individuals involved in the world of sports. The sentencing marks a significant moment in this ongoing saga, leaving many to wonder what developments lie ahead.
