Illegal Gambling Operation In Orange County
An Orange County bookmaker, Mathew Bowyer, recently pleaded guilty to charges related to operating an illegal gambling business that took millions in sports bets. Federal prosecutors announced that Bowyer, who accepted bets from both current and former professional athletes, faces up to 18 years in prison for his illegal activities. The operation, which had more than 700 gamblers at one point, ran for at least five years before shutting down in October.
Involvement of Professional Athletes
One of Bowyer’s high-profile clients was Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to repay Bowyer for over $40 million in gambling losses. Another client, identified only as “B,” is a current member of a Southern California baseball team, and “C” is a former minor league baseball player. The plea agreement revealed that the two athletes were friends and would sometimes place bets on games involving current players.
Money Laundering and Tax Evasion
Bowyer’s illegal gambling operation involved money laundering, with funds being transferred to casinos to pay off bets for himself and his associates. He also admitted to filing false tax returns, omitting millions of dollars in income from illegal gambling activities. Prosecutors stated that Bowyer faces significant prison time for charges of money laundering, running an illegal gambling business, and filing false tax returns.
Overall, Bowyer’s case highlights the dangers and repercussions of engaging in illegal gambling activities, especially when involving high-profile individuals and professional athletes. The consequences of such actions can be severe, both in terms of legal penalties and personal reputation damage. It serves as a cautionary tale for those tempted to enter the world of illegal gambling, emphasizing the importance of conducting business ethically and within the boundaries of the law.