Former executive sentenced to prison for embezzlement from Hawks

Atlanta — Shape Atlanta Hawks Finance Executive Lester T. Jones Jr. was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for embezzling nearly $3.7 million from the team through fraudulent expense reimbursement requests and misuse of corporate credit cards.

Federal prosecutors said in a court filing in November that Jones used the money to pay for travel, luxury clothing, jewelry, car expenses and tickets to concerts and sporting events.

He pleaded guilty to wire fraud in December.

Jones, 46, served in the Hawks’ accounting and finance department from March 2016 to June 2025. In his role as senior vice president of finance, beginning in August 2021, he was responsible for the company’s corporate credit card account with American Express and managed the electronic expense payment program.

“Jones turned his dream job as a high-ranking executive of the Atlanta Hawks into an opportunity to steal team funds, buy luxury clothing, jewelry, watches and travel for himself,” U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in a statement released by the department.

“But, for Jones and others who abuse their employer’s trust to embezzle substantial funds, the gravy train’s ultimate destination is federal prison.”

The Hawks had no comment Wednesday.

Atlanta-based Special Agent Marlo Graham said Jones’ case “illustrates the significant damage that an insider threat can do to an organization.”

“Jones abused his authority and embezzled millions, but such schemes are not immune to detection,” Graham said in a statement. “The FBI is committed to investigating and disrupting financial crime at every level.”

Prosecutors said Jones embezzled the money by submitting dozens of fraudulent expense reimbursement requests, in which the Hawks reimbursed him for fictitious business expenses.

Prosecutors said Jones also charged personal expenses on corporate credit cards, including approximately $80,000 on overseas trips to the Bahamas and Thailand, $99,800 in clothing at Saks Fifth Avenue, a $115,795.01 diamond ring, a $21,8800 car and more than $90,800 in watches. Tickets to concerts and other events.