In one other dangerous information day for the league, a former Atlanta Hawks govt was arrested and charged with fraud and embezzling $3.8 million from the franchise, The Athletic has revealed.
“Jones, 46, of Atlanta, was charged with fraud and embezzling $3.8 million from the NBA franchise, in accordance with an indictment introduced final week by the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Northern District of Georgia. Proof of his alleged crimes was uncovered by way of a team-backed audit, a number of league sources instructed The Athletic.”
Daniel Jones reportedly got here underneath scrutiny after submitting a cost request to the workforce’s accounting division earlier this 12 months. In January, Jones allegedly requested for the group to cowl a $229,968.76 American Categorical cost for what he claimed was a team-related keep on the Wynn Lodge in Las Vegas.
The expense appeared reputable on the time, coinciding with the Hawks’ journey to town for the NBA Cup semifinals, and the cost was permitted.
Nevertheless, federal prosecutors later mentioned the lodge keep by no means occurred and that the invoice itself was fabricated. They allege the request was a part of a broader, years-long scheme by which Jones siphoned cash from the franchise throughout his practically ten-year tenure.
Jones had been romantically concerned with one other Hawks worker and is accused of utilizing stolen funds to bathe her with luxurious items, The Athletic says.
Prosecutors declare Jones exploited his management over the workforce’s American Categorical accounts to fund a lavish way of life. With authority to challenge and approve prices, he allegedly created a number of company playing cards for private use, spending on worldwide holidays to locations just like the Bahamas, Hawaii, Thailand, and Switzerland.
He additionally reportedly purchased a Porsche, together with tickets to live shows and different high-end occasions.
Federal authorities additional allege Jones went to important lengths to hide his actions, altering monetary data, forging emails to legitimize bills, and misclassifying his private prices as team-related prices. He’s now dealing with a federal wire fraud cost.
He has since been dismissed from his place, pleaded not responsible and was launched on a $10,000 bond final week. His lawyer didn’t reply to requests for remark.
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