Former Hawks CEO charged with embezzling nearly $4 million
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With only three wins and four losses, c Hawks they are going through a difficult start to the season, both on the field and behind the scenes. Already deprived of their star leader Trae Younginjured for several weeks, the franchise is now facing a major financial scandal…
According to an investigation by The Athletic, Lester Jonesthe Hawks’ vice president between 2016 and 2025, is accused of embezzling nearly $3.8 million to the detriment of the franchise. He was released on bail last week pending trial.
Responsible for planning and financial analysis, Lester Jones shifted many personal expenses to professional expenses, according to the investigation. Especially the stay in Las Vegas last December, allegedly related to the participation of the Hawks in the Final Four of the NBA Cup. However, no rooms were reserved at the Wynn Hotel, contrary to what was indicated on the invoice submitted for reimbursement.
Twenty years in prison?
An internal audit revealed that Lester Jones used team accounts, as well as corporate credit cards, to finance a luxurious lifestyle: buying a Porsche, trips to the Bahamas and Hawaii, concert tickets, jewelry, luxury goods… He allegedly gave expensive gifts to Hawks officials he was in a relationship with. This is no longer in the organizational chart of the club.
Also according to the Athletics and the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Georgia, Lester Jones falsified the team’s financial statements and sent false emails to justify his expenses. He has pleaded not guilty and declined to comment on the charges.
If convicted, he faces up to twenty years in prison for federal fraud, Fox 5 Atlanta reports. The Atlanta Hawks, for their part, declined to make any comment on the matter.
2025-11-04 14:06:00
