Nearly three weeks after Major League Baseball initiated an investigation into allegations of illegal gambling and theft involving Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, reports indicate that Mizuhara is in discussions for a guilty plea regarding the alleged theft, as per the New York Times.

Citing information from three sources briefed on the matter, the NYT notes that the investigation into the accusations is swiftly approaching a resolution. Federal prosecutors have uncovered evidence suggesting that Mizuhara may have embezzled more than the initially reported $4.5 million. Additionally, investigators believe Mizuhara tampered with Ohtani’s bank account settings to prevent the baseball player from being notified of any transactions.

The investigation is being conducted by the Los Angeles offices of the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal division and the Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Last month, reports emerged detailing allegations against Ohtani’s longtime translator, Mizuhara. The Los Angeles Times reported that Mizuhara was terminated amid accusations of illegal gambling, with Ohtani’s legal team alleging that the interpreter stole money from the baseball player to place bets. ESPN later published a report featuring an interview with Mizuhara, who initially admitted to asking Ohtani to settle his gambling debts in 2023. However, Mizuhara retracted his statements before the article was published, asserting that Ohtani was unaware of his gambling debts and did not transfer any funds to Bowyer’s associate on his behalf.

In response, Ohtani expressed his dismay over the illegal gambling allegations against Mizuhara and denied involvement in sports betting.