Overview
- Lester T. Jones Jr. pleaded not guilty, was released on $10,000 bond, and must inform the court within 15 days whether he will seek a plea or go to trial.
- Charging documents say Jones controlled the team’s American Express program, issued multiple corporate cards to himself, and manipulated the Workday reimbursement platform.
- Prosecutors cite a fabricated $229,968.76 reimbursement tied to a supposed Wynn Las Vegas stay during the NBA Cup that they say never occurred.
- The filing details “dozens” of fake or altered invoices and personal charges for luxury travel, designer goods, jewelry, event tickets, and Porsche-related expenses from 2017 through June 2025.
- The case was brought by information in the Northern District of Georgia with prosecutors seeking forfeiture, while a team-backed audit preceded the charges and the Hawks have declined comment.