Copyright New York Daily News
A former Atlanta Hawks executive is accused of embezzling nearly $4 million from the team as part of a yearslong scheme to finance his own luxury lifestyle. Lester T. Jones Jr., 46, is facing a federal wire fraud charge after allegedly stealing more than $3.8 million through fraudulent expense reimbursement requests, including fake and altered invoices, and using corporate credit cards for personal use on international travel, as well as designer apparel, jewelry, tickets for events and a Porsche. He also allegedly bought gifts for a former Hawks employee he was dating. Jones entered a not guilty plea during an initial court appearance last Wednesday and was released on bond but order to turn over his passport. A judge on Friday then ordered him to tell the court within 15 days whether he plans to plead guilty or proceed to trial. Jones worked in the Hawks’ accounting and finance department from March 2016 through June 2025. He became the senior vice president for finance in August 2021. In that role, he oversaw the team’s corporate American Express card and the electronic expense reimbursement program. Prosecutors alleged he exploited his knowledge of the team’s financial systems for personal gain. A team-backed audit over the summer reportedly uncovered evidence of his alleged crimes. Jones is no longer employed by the Hawks. The federal charge against Jones came nearly two weeks after the NBA was rocked by gambling allegations and federal charges against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups.
