United States of America v. Lester Jones

Atlanta, Georgia, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with wire fraud.

Lester Jones, a former top Atlanta Hawks finance executive had been a senior vice president of financial planning and analysis until last season but was indicted in October by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia for using his position to enrich himself on the franchise’s account. Jones had worked for the Hawks for nearly a decade and used his position to build a lavish lifestyle for himself during the latter part of his tenure there. He was accused of embezzling $3.8 million.

Jones was accused of using his power of the purse to buy a Porsche, get tickets to concerts and events and spend on trips to Europe, Hawaii, Thailand and other countries. Jones was also in a romantic relationship with a Hawks employee, according to multiple league sources, and used his access to the team’s American Express card to buy her gifts as well.

12/16/2025 12 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge J. P. Boulee: Change of Plea Hearing as to Lester T. Jones, Jr., PLEA of GUILTY by Lester T. Jones, Jr. (1) Guilty Count 1. Defendant was sworn. The signatures were verified and the signed Guilty Plea and Plea Agreement was tendered to the Court. The Court advised Defendant of his rights. The government presented a statement with elements of the offense and evidence in the case and summarized the penalties of the offense. The Court found factual basis for acceptance of the plea, announced the findings and accepted and entered Defendant's plea of guilty to Count 1 of the Information. Defendant will remain on bond pending sentencing. (Attachments: # 1 Guilty Plea and Plea Agreement) (Court Reporter Denise Stewart) (gww) (Entered: 12/16/2025)
12/16/2025 13 NOTICE OF SENTENCING Set/Reset as to Lester T. Jones, Jr.. Sentencing set for 3/24/2026 at 10:00 AM in ATLA Courtroom 1908 before Judge J. P. Boulee. (gww) (Entered: 12/16/2025)