Judge orders Ohtani's ex

LOS ANGELES — 

A federal judge Friday ordered the former longtime interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani released on $25,000 bond and mandated he undergo gambling addiction treatment.

Ippei Mizuhara exploited his personal and professional relationship with Ohtani to plunder $16 million from the Major League Baseball player's bank account for years, prosecutors said, at times impersonating Ohtani to bankers so he could cover his bets and debts.

Mizuhara only spoke to answer the judge's questions, saying "yes" when she asked if he understood several parts of the case and his bond conditions.

FILE - Ippei Mizuhara, left, stands next to baseball star Shohei Ohtani during an interview at Dodger Stadium in California, Feb. 3, 2024.