In a surprising turn of events, reality TV star Ryan Boyajian has been implicated in the ongoing scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. According to an ESPN report, Boyajian is alleged to have received wired money from Mizuhara to settle excessive gambling debts owed to a California bookmaker.
Mizuhara, who recently pleaded guilty to bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return, is accused of embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani without the star’s knowledge or consent. The funds were allegedly used to cover Mizuhara’s gambling losses. Boyajian, a current cast member of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” is said to have been the associate to whom Mizuhara wired the money, as instructed by Mathew Bowyer, the alleged bookmaker.
According to the report, Boyajian and Bowyer have been friends for almost two decades. Boyajian’s criminal attorney, Steven Katzman, confirmed that his client is cooperating with federal authorities in an active investigation. Katzman, however, refrained from providing further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
It has been reported that Boyajian received immunity in exchange for his testimony. The reality TV personality was allegedly seen gambling at various Las Vegas casinos, including Resorts World Las Vegas, using marker accounts replenished by Bowyer with the money provided by Mizuhara.
Mizuhara is scheduled to appear in court on May 14, facing potential imprisonment of up to 33 years and fines amounting to $1.25 million. Additionally, he will be required to make full restitution to his victims, including Ohtani. United States Attorney Martin Estrada expressed the magnitude of Mizuhara’s actions, emphasizing the defendant’s abuse of trust and the significant financial losses incurred. Estrada affirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims involved.
