Shohei Ohtani’s former performer has agreed to plead guilty to charges that he illegally transferred nearly $17 million from the Dodgers star’s account.

THE ANGELS — Ippei Mizuhara, former performer for MLB star Shohei Ohtani, has agreed to plead guilty to bank fraud in connection with the theft of nearly $17 million from the star player to cover gambling debts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Mizuhara, 39, agreed to plead guilty to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and one count of subscribing to a false tax return, which carries up to three years in prison, according to the United States. . Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California. She is expected to enter a guilty plea in the coming weeks, with an arraignment scheduled for May 14, the Justice Department said.

“The scope of this defendant’s deception and theft is enormous,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. “She 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.”

This is a developing story. Please check for updates.