A former Atlanta Hawks government is accused of embezzling almost $4 million from the crew as a part of a yearslong scheme to finance his personal luxurious life-style.
Lester T. Jones Jr., 46, is dealing with a federal wire fraud cost after allegedly stealing greater than $3.8 million by means of fraudulent expense reimbursement requests, together with faux and altered invoices, and utilizing company bank cards for private use on worldwide journey, in addition to designer attire, jewellery, tickets for occasions and a Porsche.
He additionally allegedly purchased items for a former Hawks worker he was relationship.
Jones entered a not responsible plea throughout an preliminary courtroom look final Wednesday and was launched on bond however order to show over his passport. A decide on Friday then ordered him to inform the courtroom inside 15 days whether or not he plans to plead responsible or proceed to trial.
Jones labored within the Hawks’ accounting and finance division from March 2016 by means of June 2025. He turned the senior vice chairman for finance in August 2021. In that position, he oversaw the crew’s company American Categorical card and the digital expense reimbursement program. Prosecutors alleged he exploited his information of the crew’s monetary programs for private acquire.
A team-backed audit over the summer season reportedly uncovered proof of his alleged crimes. Jones is now not employed by the Hawks.
The federal cost towards Jones got here almost two weeks after the NBA was rocked by playing allegations and federal costs towards Miami Warmth guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups.
