Client experience · Pre-sentence interview preparation
Mathew Bowyer: the preparation before the sentence.
Mathew Bowyer hired Joseph De Gregorio directly and independently to prepare for his federal pre-sentence interview. The bookmaker who accepted wagers from Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, ultimately received a sentence of 12 months and one day.
Joseph’s role extended beyond writing about the case. He worked directly with Bowyer on presenting accountability, restitution, personal history and a forward-looking plan during the interview that informs the presentence report.
By Joseph De Gregorio, Founder and President, Sentencing Advocacy Group · Published October 8, 2026. Preparation details reflect Joseph’s account and retained preparation notes; sentencing figures are identified separately below.
The outcome, with each number in context.
U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb sentenced Bowyer on August 29, 2025, in the Central District of California.
| Measure | Months of imprisonment |
|---|---|
| Guideline range | 41–51 months |
| Probation recommendation | 36 months |
| Prosecutors’ recommendation | 15 months |
| Sentence imposed | 12 months and one day |
The 15-month request came from prosecutors, who moved for a cooperation departure under § 5K1.1. It was not the probation officer’s recommendation. Sources: the government’s August 15, 2025 sentencing position and Joseph’s Federal Bar Association analysis, linked below.
“Despite the significant mitigation, there are consequences for committing these crimes.”
Judge John W. Holcomb, as reported at sentencing. This observation concerned the full case record; it was not an endorsement of Joseph or Sentencing Advocacy Group.
The connection to Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter.
Bowyer operated the illegal sports-betting business used by Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter. Bowyer’s federal case involved illegal gambling, money laundering and a false tax return. The connection is through Mizuhara; this page does not describe Ohtani as a bettor, defendant or Sentencing Advocacy Group client.
What Joseph prepared with Bowyer.
Bowyer retained Joseph for individual interview preparation. Joseph describes several calls over a little more than a month. His retained notes specifically describe a focused preparation session in January 2025 and the following priorities.
01 · Accountability first
Organize an honest explanation of the conduct, acceptance of responsibility, remorse and lessons learned. The aim was to help Bowyer express his own understanding clearly, without excuses or exaggeration.
02 · Restitution and those affected
Prepare to discuss restitution and the obligations owed to those harmed, including the government and the IRS. Joseph emphasized placing those responsibilities ahead of personal inconvenience.
03 · A meaningful personal narrative
Connect personal history to responsibility and change. Joseph discussed the value of a written personal account submitted through appropriate channels for consideration with the presentence report.
04 · A credible plan forward
Bring together concrete steps, lessons learned and future responsibilities. Practice respectful, direct communication so the interview reflects the person’s actual preparation.
This was direct work with the defendant. Defense counsel remained responsible for legal advice, filings and courtroom advocacy; probation prepared the report, and the judge determined the sentence.
Why the interview matters to the PSR.
The presentence investigation (PSI) includes the interview conducted by probation. The presentence report (PSR) is the written report probation prepares from that investigation, including the interview, verified records and other relevant information.
Preparation gives the defendant time to organize facts, identify supporting documents and communicate accurately. It also helps distinguish verified information from recollection and identify issues to review with counsel. The report should convey a complete, credible account of the person before the court.
Read Joseph’s Federal Bar Association analysis of the interview and PSR →
What this outcome shows.
Bowyer’s sentence was below the guideline range and both sentencing recommendations. His direct preparation with Joseph was one part of the broader process. The public record also describes substantial cooperation, restitution, treatment and defense advocacy.
Joseph considers the interview preparation meaningful to Bowyer’s presentation. The available record does not establish what sentence Bowyer would have received without that work or isolate the effect of any one contributor. Another defendant’s result depends on that person’s facts and the court’s decision.
Read the sources. Explore the preparation.
- Federal Bar Association: Judicial Sentencing Discretion After Booker — What the Pre-Sentence Report Actually Determines · Joseph De Gregorio, July 28, 2026.
- Government’s sentencing position and § 5K1.1 motion · August 15, 2025, Case 8:24-cr-00080-JWH, Document 53; public copy hosted by Nevada Current.
- Federal pre-sentence interview preparation guide →
- Client and professional experiences →
Work directly with Joseph
Prepare before the interview shapes the record.
Tell Joseph where your case stands and when your interview or sentencing is scheduled. A private case review identifies your preparation priorities, available time and appropriate scope of work.
Sentencing Advocacy Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Individual results vary; no sentencing or release outcome is guaranteed.