Prosecutors Seek Reduced Jail Time for Bookie in Ohtani Betting Case

Federal prosecutors are advocating for a 15-month prison term for California bookie, Matt Bowyer, who has been implicated in a high-profile betting scandal connected to Shohei Ohtani’s ex-translator. This request is notably lower than the federal guidelines, which typically recommend a sentence exceeding three years. Bowyer, aged 50, confessed last year to operating an illegal sports betting business, money laundering through Las Vegas casinos, and filing a false tax return. Court documents reveal that Bowyer failed to report over $4 million in taxable income in one year. However, his cooperation in related cases has persuaded the government to recommend a reduced sentence.

Prosecutors highlighted that Bowyer provided critical information that was instrumental in obtaining convictions against Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and fellow bookmaker, Damien LeForbes. The court records describe Bowyer’s cooperation as “important, well-timed, and believable,” particularly during interviews in late 2023 and early 2024. These interactions enabled agents to decipher seized messages and execute a search warrant on LeForbes. Mizuhara is currently serving a 57-month sentence for embezzling $17 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts. Meanwhile,

Prosecutors highlighted that Bowyer provided critical information that was instrumental in obtaining convictions against Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and fellow bookmaker, Damien LeForbes. The court records describe Bowyer’s cooperation as “important, well-timed, and believable,” particularly during interviews in late 2023 and early 2024. These interactions enabled agents to decipher seized messages and execute a search warrant on LeForbes. Mizuhara is currently serving a 57-month sentence for embezzling $17 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts. Meanwhile, LeForbes, who wagered nearly $150 million at Las Vegas casinos, has pleaded guilty to money laundering and conducting an illegal gambling operation and awaits sentencing later this year.

In an interview, Bowyer conceded that his collaboration with authorities might brand him as a “rat,” as reported by The Nevada Current. Nevertheless, he stressed that his agreement with prosecutors was confined to divulging information about casino executives and staff facilitating illicit activities but not implicating his players or friends. High-roller and government informant Robert “RJ” Cipriani corroborated Bowyer’s claims, asserting that Bowyer refrained from betraying his associates and only disclosed details