Lester Jones, the Atlanta Hawks’ senior vice president of financial planning and analysis, was charged with fraud and embezzling $3.8 million from the NBA franchise. Federal prosecutors allege Jones used his position to fund a lavish lifestyle over multiple years.
Jones, 46, of Atlanta, was charged last week by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Evidence of his alleged crimes was uncovered through a team-backed audit, multiple league sources told The Athletic.
Jones pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond last week. He is no longer employed by the Hawks and faces a count of federal wire fraud.
Prosecutors allege Jones controlled the team’s American Express card account and authorized multiple corporate cards for himself. He had the ability to charge sums for others, according to the indictment.
Jones allegedly used stolen funds on trips to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Thailand and Switzerland. He also paid for a Porsche and bought tickets to concerts and other events, prosecutors said.
In January, Jones requested payment for a $229,968.76 American Express bill for a purported stay at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Prosecutors say there was no stay at the Wynn and no legitimate bill.
Jones allegedly altered an email from American Express to trick the Hawks into paying for personal spending. He told a Hawks employee the money had been used on “NBA Emirates Cup, Tickets, Credentials, Logistics, Room.”
“At least I know the Wynn’s number is right,” Jones wrote to coworkers after sending the altered email.
Jones was in a romantic relationship with another team employee, multiple league sources said. He used some of the stolen money to buy her expensive gifts, according to sources.
The woman also no longer works for the Hawks. She could not be reached for comment.
Jones was employed in the Hawks’ finance department for nearly a decade.