The San Juan Capistrano bookie, Mathew R. Bowyer, has reached a plea agreement on multiple federal charges related to his involvement in an unlawful gambling business, money laundering, and false tax returns, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Bowyer, aged 49, is scheduled to enter his guilty plea on August 9th.

If convicted, Bowyer could face a maximum sentence of 18 years, with individual penalties of 10 years for money laundering, five years for operating the illegal gambling business, and three years for filing a false tax return. Additionally, as part of the plea agreement, he will be required to forfeit a significant amount of his assets, including approximately $258,000 in cash and $15,000 worth of casino chips that were seized by authorities.

One of Bowyer's notable clients was Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who has recently admitted to embezzling nearly $17 million from the baseball player in order to pay off his gambling debts. Mizuhara is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25th.

The scope of Bowyer's bookmaking operation was vast, spanning across Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as Las Vegas, for a period of at least five years. It is estimated that he catered to over 700 bettors during this time. Prosecutors have revealed that, apart from Ohtani, at least two other professional baseball players, one from a Southern California-based club, and another who is a former minor-league player, also engaged in betting activities with Bowyer.

While Ohtani is considered a victim in this case, the involvement of other players highlights the potential prevalence of illegal gambling activities in professional sports. Authorities continue to investigate and ensure that those responsible for facilitating such operations are held accountable.

As Mathew R. Bowyer prepares to enter his guilty plea next month, the outcome of this case will shed light on the consequences of participating in illegal gambling schemes and the necessary measures that must be taken to protect the integrity of professional sports.