Millions Gone: Ex-Atlanta Hawks Finance Chief Faces Fraud Charges

A former top finance executive at the Atlanta Hawks is in hot water. Lester T. Jones Jr. is accused of stealing millions from the team. He used the money for personal luxuries like travel, fancy clothes, and concert tickets. Prosecutors say he faked expense reports and altered emails to cover his tracks. Jones worked for the Hawks from 2016 until this year. He was in charge of the team's corporate credit cards and expense reimbursements. Prosecutors allege he knew how to exploit the system. They say he took advantage of a loophole. The system didn't show actual transactions. This made it easy for him to hide his fraud. The stolen money paid for trips to exotic places. Think Bahamas, Switzerland, and Thailand. He also bought luxury items like Louis Vuitton clothes and Porsche car expenses. Prosecutors say the total theft adds up to over $3. 8 million. Jones pleaded not guilty in court. He was released on bond. The judge gave him 15 days to decide. He must choose between going to trial or pleading guilty. The Hawks declined to comment on the case. Jones' lawyer has not responded to requests for comment. It's unclear what will happen next. But one thing is clear: the Hawks have a big mess to clean up.