Recent reports have shed light on new developments in the $16 million gambling and theft scheme involving Ryan Boyajian, the fiancé of "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Jennifer Pedranti. The scheme reportedly involves former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who wired money to Boyajian to pay off gambling debts.
According to ESPN, Mizuhara has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges related to the theft of nearly $17 million from the bank account of MLB star Shohei Ohtani. Prosecutors allege that Mizuhara used the stolen money to pay off illegal gambling debts.
It has been revealed that Mizuhara's illegal bookmaker instructed him to wire money to "Associate 1," who is reportedly Boyajian. Mizuhara accessed Ohtani's bank account without permission and transferred large sums of money to the bookmaker and his associates to settle gambling debts.
Boyajian's criminal attorney, Steven Katzman, stated that his client is cooperating with federal authorities. Sources have indicated that Boyajian received immunity in exchange for his testimony. Katzman emphasized that Boyajian is not involved in bookmaking or sub-bookmaking activities.
Further details have emerged regarding how Boyajian and the alleged illegal bookmaker, identified as Mathew Bowyer, utilized Mizuhara's payments in "marker" accounts at casinos. The men reportedly deposited the funds, gambled with the chips, and cashed out their winnings.
Boyajian made his reality TV debut on "RHOC" Season 17 alongside Pedranti, who recently completed filming Season 18 of the Bravo series. Pedranti's representative declined to comment on the matter when contacted by GentNews.
