lester jones sentencing

A former finance executive with the Atlanta Hawks has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after admitting to embezzling millions of dollars from the organization through fraudulent expense claims and misuse of company funds.

Lester T. Jones Jr., 46, was handed a sentence of three years and five months after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Prosecutors said he stole approximately $3.7 million during his tenure with the team by submitting fake reimbursement requests and charging personal expenses to corporate credit cards.

Jones worked in the Hawks’ accounting and finance department from 2016 to 2025 and rose to the role of senior vice president for finance in 2021. In that position, he oversaw the organization’s corporate credit card program and managed its expense reimbursement system, giving him significant access to financial resources.

According to federal prosecutors, Jones used the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including luxury travel, high-end clothing, jewelry, and entertainment. His expenditures reportedly included tens of thousands of dollars on international trips, nearly $100,000 on designer apparel, a six-figure diamond ring, luxury watches, and more than $160,000 on concert and event tickets.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said Jones abused his position of trust, turning a high-level executive role into an opportunity for personal enrichment through fraud.

Authorities also emphasized the broader implications of the case, noting that insider threats can pose significant risks to organizations. Investigators said the scheme involved dozens of fraudulent transactions but was ultimately uncovered through financial oversight mechanisms.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on corporate fraud and financial crimes, particularly those involving abuse of internal systems and executive-level access.