Former Atlanta Hawks finance exec Lester Jones indicted for allegedly stealing $3.8M via fake charges and luxury spending.

Lester Jones, a former senior vice president of finance for the Atlanta Hawks, has been indicted on federal charges of fraud and embezzlement, accused of stealing nearly $3.8 million from the team using unauthorized charges on corporate American Express accounts. Prosecutors allege he falsified expenses, including a fake $230,000 hotel bill for a non-existent stay at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, and used funds for personal luxuries like a Porsche, international travel, concert tickets, and gifts for a former team employee. The scheme was uncovered during a team audit, and Jones, who is no longer employed by the Hawks, pleaded not guilty and was released on a $10,000 bond. The case is ongoing.