In a shocking turn of events, a San Juan Capistrano bookie has pleaded guilty to running a gambling business that was allegedly used by the former interpreter of Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.
According to the Orange County Register, the bookie, who has been identified as 42-year-old Eric Chang, admitted to operating an illegal sports betting operation out of his home in San Juan Capistrano. Chang reportedly used a network of agents to collect and distribute bets on various sporting events, including baseball games featuring Ohtani and the Angels.
The investigation into Chang’s gambling operation began after authorities received a tip from an informant who claimed to have placed bets with the bookie. After conducting surveillance and gathering evidence, law enforcement officials were able to obtain a search warrant for Chang’s home, where they uncovered a sophisticated operation that included computers, cell phones, and ledgers detailing bets and transactions.
During questioning, Chang allegedly admitted to running the gambling business for several years and acknowledged that his clients included individuals who were connected to the sports industry. In a surprising twist, prosecutors revealed that one of Chang’s clients was Yuji Nakata, a former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani who worked with the Angels during the 2018 season.
Nakata, who is currently based in Japan, has not been charged in connection with the case. However, prosecutors have indicated that they are continuing to investigate his involvement in the gambling operation. In a statement to the media, Nakata denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he was not aware of Chang’s illegal activities.
Chang’s guilty plea carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, authorities are continuing their efforts to crackdown on illegal gambling in Orange County and are urging individuals to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community of San Juan Capistrano and has once again highlighted the dangers of illegal gambling. As the investigation continues, residents are left wondering how such a sophisticated operation could have gone undetected for so long and what other connections may be uncovered in the process.