Federal prosecutors have charged Lester Jones, the former Senior Vice President of Finance for the Atlanta Hawks, with felony wire fraud after allegedly embezzling more than $3.8 million from the organization.
According to court documents, Jones is accused of using team credit cards to fund a lavish lifestyle that included international trips, designer goods, jewelry, concert and sporting event tickets, and even expenses related to a Porsche. The case was first reported by The Athletic.
Prosecutors allege Jones submitted fake expense reports and altered invoices to disguise personal spending as legitimate business costs. Investigators say the fraudulent charges covered trips to destinations such as the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico, Switzerland, and Thailand.
In one instance, WSB-TV reported that Jones allegedly attempted to submit a nearly $230,000 invoice at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas in January, when the Hawks participated in the NBA Emirates Cup. Prosecutors say the invoice was fabricated and tied to a legitimate form filled out by another employee.
Jones, who worked for the Hawks from March 2016 to June 2025, was released on a $10,000 bondand ordered to surrender his passport as part of his release conditions.
Federal authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges or co-conspirators may be identified as the investigation continues.
