A former senior vice president of finance for the Atlanta Hawks has been sentenced to federal prison for embezzling approximately $3.7 million from the National Basketball Association franchise over a nine-year period.
Details of the Scheme
Lester Jones Jr., 46, who worked in the team's accounting and finance department from March 2016 to June 2025, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in December 2025. He was sentenced to three years and five months behind bars.
According to federal prosecutors, Jones orchestrated the embezzlement through two primary methods: submitting fraudulent expense reimbursement requests and making unauthorized personal charges on corporate credit cards.
Prosecutors stated in a November court filing that Jones used the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including travel, luxury apparel, jewelry, car expenses, and tickets to concerts and sporting events.
Role and Responsibilities
Jones rose to the position of senior vice president for finance in August 2021, a role that gave him oversight of the team's corporate credit card account with American Express and administration of the electronic expense reimbursement program.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case, saying, 'Jones turned his dream job as a high-ranking executive for the Atlanta Hawks into an opportunity to steal the team's funds, purchasing luxury apparel, jewelry, watches, and trips for himself. But, for Jones and others who abuse their employers' trust to embezzle substantial funds, the gravy train's final destination is federal prison.'
Specific Expenditures
The embezzled funds were spent on a wide array of luxury items and experiences, including:
- Approximately $80,000 in overseas travel to The Bahamas and Thailand
- $99,800 worth of clothing and apparel from Saks Fifth Avenue
- A $115,795.01 diamond ring
- $21,888.90 in Omega watches
- Over $160,000 in tickets to concerts and other events
FBI Special Agent Marlo Graham emphasized the seriousness of insider threats, stating, 'Jones abused his authority and access to embezzle millions, but schemes like this are not immune from detection. The FBI remains committed to investigating and disrupting financial crimes at every level.'
The case highlights the ongoing risk of financial fraud within professional sports organizations and the consequences for those who exploit their positions of trust.
