A Hawks Finance Chief's Luxury Life on the Team's Dime

Lester T. Jones Jr. Faces Serious Allegations

A former top finance executive of the Atlanta Hawks is in hot water. Lester T. Jones Jr., who once managed the team's money, is accused of stealing nearly $4 million. He allegedly used fake invoices and company credit cards to fund his fancy lifestyle.

Lavish Spending and Gifts

• Trips abroad
• High-end fashion
• A Porsche
• Gifts for a former coworker he was dating

Role and Alleged Fraud

Jones worked for the Hawks from 2016 to 2025, rising to senior vice president of finance in 2021. This role gave him control over the team's corporate credit cards and expense reimbursement system. Prosecutors claim he abused his position to line his own pockets.

Discovery and Legal Consequences

• The Hawks discovered the alleged fraud during an internal audit this summer.
• Jones is no longer with the team.
• He pleaded not guilty when he first appeared in court.
• A judge ordered him to surrender his passport and decide within 15 days whether to plead guilty or go to trial.

NBA's Recent Troubles

This scandal comes on the heels of other recent troubles in the NBA:

• Two weeks earlier, gambling allegations surfaced against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.
• It's been a rough patch for the league.