Who is Lester Jones? Former Atlanta Hawks executive accused of stealing $3.8 million for surprising reasons

A shocking scandal has rocked the Atlanta Hawks ’ front office after longtime executive Lester Jones was charged with wire fraud and embezzlement . Federal prosecutors allege that Jones, who served as the team’s senior vice president of financial planning and analysis , stole nearly $3.8 million over several years by manipulating team credit card accounts and falsifying records.

The 46-year-old was indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia last week following a months-long investigation sparked by an internal audit.

According to reports, Jones allegedly diverted team funds to finance a lavish lifestyle that included luxury trips, concert tickets, and even a Porsche. The fraudulent activity came to light after he allegedly submitted a $229,968.76 American Express bill, falsely claiming it was tied to the Hawks’ travel expenses during the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Prosecutors say that bill — and several others — were completely fabricated.

Lester Jones allegedly used Atlanta Hawks’ funds for lavish spending spree

Federal investigators say Lester Jones abused his authority over the Atlanta Hawks’ corporate credit accounts to enrich himself. He reportedly issued multiple team American Express cards under his name and charged them with personal purchases, from high-end vacations to the Bahamas and Switzerland to expensive gifts.

Former Hawks exec Lester Jones has been charged with stealing $3.8M from the team — allegedly using fake expenses to fund trips to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Thailand, and Switzerland, plus luxury gifts for a coworker, per @MikeVorkunov pic.twitter.com/a9HRjis3eE

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 4, 2025

Prosecutors claim that one example of his deception involved altering an email from American Express to show the $229,968.76 charge as a payment to the Wynn Las Vegas hotel. The money, however, went toward Jones’s personal spending. “At least I know the Wynn’s number is right,” Jones allegedly wrote in an internal message after submitting the falsified documents.

The Hawks have not issued a public comment on the case, and Jones’s attorney has not responded to media inquiries. The former executive has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $10,000 bond.

Audit uncovers relationship and questionable gifts

Sources told The Athletic that Jones was romantically involved with another team employee and used some of the stolen funds to buy her expensive presents. Both individuals are no longer employed by the franchise. While it remains unclear whether the woman was aware of the embezzlement, investigators believe her relationship with Jones may have played a role in his spending patterns.

Jones’s alleged actions have drawn attention beyond the NBA world, as they follow other high-profile legal troubles in professional sports. With the case now moving through federal court, the former Hawks executive faces severe penalties if convicted, marking one of the most damaging internal scandals in recent NBA history.

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