Former Atlanta Hawks Executive Charged After Allegedly Embezzling $3.8 Million From Franchise: REPORT

A former senior executive for the Atlanta Hawks has been hit with embezzlement charges following federal prosecutors accusing him of running a scheme for years to steal from the same team that he worked for.

According to The Athletic, Lester Jones is facing a fraud charge and allegations that he embezzled $3.8 million from the Hawks franchise following an audit that was backed by the organization finding evidence of alleged shady business. (RELATED: ‘He’s A Bum’: Warriors’ Draymond Green Blasts Cowboys’ Dak Prescott Over Dallas’ Lackluster Season)

Jones recently had an indictment brought to him by federal prosecutors. Released on $10,000 bond, he pleaded not guilty, per the report.

For around a decade, Jones was employed by the finance department of the Hawks. Prosecutors are accusing him of using his position with the team to generate a luxurious lifestyle courtesy of alleged stolen funding from the franchise, according to The Athletic.

From @TheAthletic: A former Atlanta Hawks senior vice president is accused of embezzling $3.8 million from the NBA franchise to buy lavish trips, a Porsche, and tickets to concerts and other events. https://t.co/NO5NcgzH3v

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 4, 2025

Jones was in control of the franchise’s American Express card account, allegedly authorizing multiple corporate cards that he used for his own benefit, per the outlet.

One allegation against Jones is that he got the Hawks organization to pay off a $229,968.76 credit card bill from American Express in January, claiming that it was because of a stay that he had in Las Vegas at the Wynn Hotel, according to The Athletic.

Jones is also being accused of buying expensive presents for another former Hawks employee that he was dating at that particular time, per the outlet.