A former Atlanta Hawks executive is accused of embezzling nearly $4 million from the team as part of a yearslong scheme to finance his own luxury lifestyle.

Lester T. Jones Jr., 46, is facing a federal wire fraud charge after allegedly stealing more than $3.8 million through fraudulent expense reimbursement requests, including fake and altered invoices, and using corporate credit cards for personal use on international travel, as well as designer apparel, jewelry, tickets for events and a Porsche.

He also allegedly bought gifts for a former Hawks employee he was dating.

Jones entered a not guilty plea during an initial court appearance last Wednesday and was released on bond but order to turn over his passport. A judge on Friday then ordered him to tell the court within 15 days whe

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