Fortenberry charged again | Ohtani's ex-interpreter to plead guilty | LA Press Club
I'm a finalist for a Journalist of the Year award. I also recently discussed Stormy Daniels' testimony on a British national radio show. All that and more in this round up.
I appeared on LiveNOW from Fox to discuss Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter new plea deal.
Ippei Mizuhara, 39, is to plead guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return for an embezzlement scheme that he admits victimized Ohtani out of $16 million to fund a gambling addiction.
You can read the plea deal here.
As I discussed, Mizuhara faces a base sentencing range of 87 months to 108 months, but prosecutors say they’ll recommend a two-point reduction in his offense level for acceptance of responsibility that will bring the range to 70 months to 87 months. He also could get an additional one-point reduction for pleading guilty so fast — prosecutors haven’t agreed to it — that would give him 63 months to 78 months.
Prosecutors make no promises beyond the two-point reduction, but they could recommend a significant variance below the U.S. Sentencing Guideline range should they choose.
His lawyer, Michael Freedman, declined comment.
Mizuhara turned himself in April 12 and was released on his own recognizance after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero in Los Angeles.
Mizuhara’s case was assigned to U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb in Santa Ana, but he transferred it to U.S. District Dolly M. Gee because she presides over other criminal cases related to the gambling ring involving Mizuhara.
A change of plea hearing has not been scheduled.
Feds charge former Nebraska congressman again
The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday filed new criminal charges against former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska.
The indictment in Washington, D.C. follows the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Dec. 26 order vacating Fortenberry’s three felony convictions out of Los Angeles for making false statements to federal officials. The order was based on Fortenberry being tried in L.A. when the charged conduct occurred in Nebraska and Washington, D.C.
You can read the new indictment here. It’s for two charges instead of three this time.
My article from December details the case against Fortenberry and the 9th Circuit’s order.
LA Press Club announces awards finalists
I’m proud to be a finalist for Online Independent Journalist of the Year through the Los Angeles Press Club, which announced finalists on Thursday.
An article I wrote on rapper Tory Lanez’s false DNA claims regarding his criminal case for shooting Megan Thee Stallion also is a finalist for the A-Mark Prize for Reporting on Misinformation and Disinformation. You can read the Aug. 6, 2023, article here if you are a paid subscriber.
The history of Tory Lanez's false DNA claims, from DJ Akademiks to Casey Anthony's expert
The tweet began like so many others claiming to have urgent news. “BREAKING,” it screamed in capital letters, “it was revealed in court few moments ago that Tory Lanez DNA WAS NOT found on the weapon in the Meg Thee Stallion case.” It was an explosive claim from the prominent Internet commenter DJ Akademiks, and his more than 1 million Twitter followers …
Additionally, my Twitter coverage of Lanez’s sentencing is up for a social media award, and an article I wrote on the Conception boat captain’s manslaughter trial is a finalist for general news.
Also, an article I wrote after getting floor and backstage access to the Lauryn Hill / Fugees reunion concert at Crypto.com Arena in November and meeting Pras Michel and Wyclef Jean is a finalist for an entertainment news award.
The winners will be announced June 23. Congratulations to all finalists.
I discussed Stormy Daniels on BBC Radio 5 Live
I’m following Donald Trump’s criminal trial from afar, particularly the testimony of Stormy Daniels. I met Stormy in January 2022 when I covered Michael Avenatti’s fraud trial in New York City, and I know her lawyer Clark Brewster. Also, she was my first big Twitter moment.
Today, I discussed her testimony on BBC’s British national radio station 5 Live with Gordon Craft.
Here’s the recording:
A limited number of GEB and MTR mugs remain
If you’re looking to support me by purchasing a Googly Eyed B!tch (it’s what Tory Lanez called me during his final court appearance) or Meghann Thee Reporter mug, now’s the time to do so because supplies are low.
You can buy through my Shopify store here. I also have stickers, shirts and hoodies ready to mail to you.
You also can support me through a paid subscription to this Substack. If you read and enjoy my work, please help me continue to produce it by becoming a paid subscriber. Paid subscribers make my work possible. If you think my work has value, please purchase a subscription.
Congratulations!!