Mathew Bowyer, a 49-year-old resident of San Juan Capistrano, California, is facing a prison term of approximately two and a half to three years after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to his operation of an illegal bookmaking business. The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California recently confirmed that Bowyer is expected to receive a sentence of 30 to 37 months.
Bowyer’s charges include running an illegal gambling business, filing a false tax return, and money laundering. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to these charges and now faces a significant prison sentence.
In addition to the prison time, Bowyer has agreed to forfeit nearly $15,000 in casino chips and approximately $258,000 as part of his guilty plea. Prosecutors revealed that Bowyer’s unreported income for 2022 exceeded $4 million, while his tax return for that period reported only $607,897.
The investigation that led to Bowyer’s indictment uncovered his involvement in a large-scale illegal gambling operation that ran from 2018 to 2023. He managed over 700 clients, including Ippei Mizuhara, a former translator for Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mizuhara, who was embroiled in a gambling debt scandal, pleaded guilty last month to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover his debts. Mizuhara is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25, 2024.
Bowyer “relieved” to take responsibility
Bowyer’s attorney, Diane Bass, expressed that her client is “very relieved to finally be able to accept responsibility for his conduct.” She confirmed that Bowyer’s sentence is expected to fall within the 30 to 37-month range, as per federal guidelines. Bass added that Bowyer is looking forward to his sentencing so that he can close this chapter and move on with his life alongside his family.
Bowyer is scheduled to appear in court on February 7, 2025, when his exact sentence will be formally determined.
