A former senior accounting executive for the Atlanta Hawks, Lester T. Jones, Jr., was sentenced on April 29 to three years and five months in federal prison after pleading guilty to embezzling approximately $3.7 million from the basketball team through fraudulent expense reimbursements and misuse of corporate credit cards.
The sentencing highlights concerns about insider threats and financial crimes within organizations. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, which serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency in its district according to the official website.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “Jones turned his dream job as a high-ranking executive for the Atlanta Hawks into an opportunity to steal the team’s funds, purchasing luxury apparel, jewelry, watches, and trips for himself. But, for Jones and others who abuse their employers’ trust to embezzle substantial funds, the gravy train’s final destination is federal prison.” Hertzberg held his position as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website.
Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta said: “This case underscores the significant damage that can be caused by insider threats within an organization. Jones abused his authority and access to embezzle millions, but schemes like this are not immune from detection. The FBI remains committed to investigating and disrupting financial crimes at every level.”
Court documents show that Jones joined ATL Hawks LLC’s Accounting and Finance Department in 2016 before becoming Senior Vice President of Finance in August 2021—the most senior accounting role after Chief Financial Officer. Beginning early 2021 until June 2025, he used his sole administrative control over corporate credit cards and reimbursement systems to submit false expenses or charge personal purchases such as overseas travel worth $80,000; nearly $100,000 in luxury apparel; a diamond ring costing more than $115,000; Omega watches totaling almost $22,000; and over $160,000 on event tickets.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces federal criminal laws while representing civil matters with law enforcement collaboration aimed at protecting public safety according to its official website. It prioritizes prosecution of threats including terrorism and human trafficking across a region serving roughly 7.5 million residents spanning north Georgia mountains through metro Atlanta suburbs up against Alabama and Carolina borders according to its official website.
The office also coordinates cases with national or international dimensions according to its official website.
Jones will serve three years under supervised release following imprisonment and must pay restitution exceeding $3.8 million.
