Ex-Atlanta Hawks VP Indicted for Embezzling $3.8M for Luxury Purchases

In a serious case of financial misconduct, Lester Jones, the former senior vice president of financial planning and analysis for the Atlanta Hawks, has been indicted for embezzling approximately $3.8 million from the NBA franchise. Federal prosecutors contend that Jones, 46, used his position to engage in fraudulent activities over several years.

Details of the Indictment

The indictment, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, outlines various methods Jones employed to execute his schemes. Among the reported actions was a request for payment of a $229,968.76 bill linked to a supposed stay at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas during the NBA Cup. Although the Hawks had participated in the event, federal investigators assert that no such stay or bill ever existed.

Fraudulent Activities

Evidence of Jones’s wrongdoing came to light during an audit supported by the team. As part of his role, Jones had access to the team’s corporate American Express card. He allegedly authorized multiple cards for his use, allowing him to funnel money into personal expenses including:

• Lavish trips to locations such as the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Switzerland
• A luxury vehicle, specifically a Porsche
• Concert tickets and other high-cost entertainment

Prosecutors allege that Jones altered financial reports to conceal his misuse of company resources. He reportedly fabricated emails to make personal expenditures appear as legitimate business transactions. This included altering a critical email from American Express to facilitate the Hawks covering his personal costs.

Personal Relationships and Lifestyle

In addition to his spending habits, Jones was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with another Hawks employee. Allegations suggest that he used part of the embezzled funds to purchase extravagant gifts for her. Both Jones and the woman no longer hold positions with the Hawks.

Legal Proceedings

After pleading not guilty, Jones was released on a $10,000 bond. The Hawks organization and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have declined to provide further comments on the ongoing investigation. If convicted, Jones faces significant legal penalties, including a count of federal wire fraud.

This case underscores the importance of financial oversight within sports organizations and the potential consequences of misusing corporate resources. The Hawks will likely enhance their financial auditing processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.