Atlanta, GA
Former Atlanta Hawks finance executive pleads guilty in $3.8M fraud case
A longtime Atlanta Hawks executive has pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case, after prosecutors alleged that he stole more than $3.8 million from the NBA team over several years.
Lester T. Jones Jr., the Hawks’ former Senior Vice President of Finance, changed his plea to guilty in federal court. A sentencing date has been set for March 24, 2026, according to court records.
Federal prosecutors charged Jones with one count of wire fraud, alleging he carried out the scheme from at least May 2017 through June 2025 while working in the team’s accounting and finance department.
Jones joined the Hawks organization in 2016 and eventually became the most senior accounting executive under the team’s chief financial officer. Prosecutors say he used his position and access to the team’s bank accounts, expense reimbursement system, and corporate American Express cards to divert team funds for personal use.
According to court documents, Jones submitted — or directed others to submit — fraudulent expense reports, often using fake or altered invoices to seek reimbursement for expenses that never occurred. Prosecutors also allege he charged millions of dollars in personal expenses to company credit cards.
Those charges allegedly included luxury travel to destinations such as the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Thailand, along with purchases from Louis Vuitton, Porsche-related expenses, jewelry, and sports and concert tickets.
Federal filings say Jones attempted to conceal the scheme by manipulating financial reports, altering emails, and falsely attributing large credit card balances to legitimate team operations.
Prosecutors also allege Jones exploited a weakness in the Hawks’ expense reimbursement system that, prior to July 2024, did not display actual corporate credit card transactions to employees responsible for processing reimbursements.
One example cited in court records involves a January 2025 incident in which Jones allegedly submitted a fake invoice totaling $229,968 for a team event at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Prosecutors say no such event or charge ever occurred. They allege Jones forwarded an altered American Express email to colleagues, approved the reimbursement himself, and then used the funds to pay off personal credit card charges.
As part of the case, Jones will be required to forfeit any money or property connected to the fraud, according to prosecutors.
The case is being handled in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
CBS News Atlanta reached out to the Atlanta Hawks organization for comment. The team declined to comment.
Atlanta, GA
You can watch the Atlanta United vs Nashville MLS match live for free tonight – Here’s how
MLS rivalry games continue tonight with Alexey Miranchuk and Atlanta United FC facing off with Sam Surridge and Nashville FC in this highly anticipated matchup. Kickoff takes place Friday, July 17, at 5:10 p.m. PT/8:10 p.m. ET (6:10 p.m. MDT), streaming live on Apple TV+ (free trial) and simulcast on FOX.
What TV channel is the Nashville vs. Atlanta MLS match on tonight? Is it streaming free anywhere?
You can watch every single MLS game this season streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, which is offering a free trial right now. Select games for the 2026 season will be simulcast on Fox and Fox networks like FS1. Apple TV+ remains the only way to ensure you see every one of your favorite MLS teams’ games live, for free.
When: Friday, July 17, at 5:10 p.m. PT/8:10 p.m. ET (6:10 p.m. MDT)
Where: GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Streaming: Apple TV+ (free trial)
TV Broacast: Fox
Apple TV+ subscribers also get access to a wealth of premium content, including Friday Night Baseball, hit original movies, and buzzworthy series like Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Severance, Shrinking, Pluribus, Silo, Slow Horses, The Studio, Your Friends & Neighbors, and Ted Lasso, with new originals arriving year-round.
You can also watch select MLS games live on Fox and FS1, which you can access right now through a free trial through DIRECTV.
DIRECTV
Stream your favorite shows free for 5 days, with new promotional pricing on subscriptions.
DIRECTV Free Trial
Nashville FC vs Atlanta United FC latest point spread, betting odds
Moneyline: NSH: -190 | Draw: +330 | TOR: +425
- Get promo codes, signup deals, and free bets from our Oregon Betting News home page.
Atlanta, GA
One Of Atlanta, Georgia’s Safest Suburbs Is An Irish-Inspired Town With Tasty Restaurants And Golf Greens – Islands
County Tyrone in Northern Ireland is renowned for its outdoor offerings and historical landmarks, such as the centuries-old Beaghmore Stone Circles. Uniquely, this verdant destination is the namesake of Tyrone, Georgia, a town in Fayette County. This Atlanta suburb was established by Irish and Scottish settlers and is located about a 40-minute drive away from the Peach State’s capital. Featuring tree-lined roads and vast greenery, Tyrone’s highlights include its flourishing food scene and the Wendell Coffee Golf & Event Center, though it’s also revered for its tranquil reputation. According to SafeWise, Tyrone, which has a population of 8,025, is one of the top 10 safest cities (the sixth in 2026 to be exact) in Georgia.
The website’s research (which uses data from the FBI) found that Tyrone only had a violent crime rate of 0.5 per 1,000 people from 2024 to 2026. However, it should be mentioned that Tyrone’s property crime rate was higher than its violent crime rate. Similarly, Tyrone holds a B- for crime and safety on Niche and is listed as the second-best place to live in Fayette County. One reviewer on the website wrote that they were grateful for this sense of security Tyrone provides, while another described it as “a nice, quiet town with small businesses and friendly people.”
Check out these local eateries in Tyrone, Georgia
Safety aside, Tyrone is proud of its Irish and Scottish roots. The Founders Day Festival is held each October at Shamrock Park (the town’s official seal also includes a shamrock, undoubtedly a nod to its heritage). This free celebration typically has everything from carnival rides to fireworks, all to honor the town’s 19th-century settlers. Additionally, Tyrone is home to Glendalough Manor. This award-winning venue for weddings and other events looks as if it belongs in the Irish countryside. In fact, this stately structure pays tribute to the sacred destination of the same name in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains National Park, which is a quick day trip from Dublin. Interestingly, you won’t find an Irish pub or eatery in Tyrone.
But don’t fret, the town does offer diverse eateries, such as Nikko Japanese Steakhouse. Featuring a facade with traditional art and a koi pond, it can be likened to a local Benihana. Users on Google, where it has a 4.4 rating out of more than 1,000 reviews, say you can expect large portions and an enthusiastic staff. “Best experience and food I have had at a hibachi south of Atlanta,” wrote one individual. Sushi is served as well, with this same reviewer describing their selection (like the Peachtree City Roll, made with yellowtail and eel) as “divine.” Others write that the restaurant is extremely accommodating to diners with allergies.
If you’re a fan of Asian food, Modern Thai Restaurant is a woman-owned spot with a calming teal aesthetic. It has a near-perfect rating on Google, with customers recommending the yellow curry chicken. “Every bite was mouthwatering and [very] tender,” reads a review. Keep in mind that Chapultepec Mexican Grill is a few doors down and is known for its margaritas and classic South-of-the-border dishes.
Hit the links and more in Tyrone, Georgia
Tyrone might not have any major tourist attractions, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do in town. For sports enthusiasts, there’s Wendell Coffee Golf & Event Center. The 50-acre site boasts a par 3 course, where you can play nine or 18 holes. Likewise, there’s a driving range with target greens and other amenities for those interested in honing their skills. On Google, a reviewer wrote that “prices are very reasonable for such a well-maintained facility.” Several others also appreciate its affordability. For reference, rates for the course are under $30, as of this writing. For added convenience, some recommend bringing cash. Wendell Coffee Golf & Event Center is open daily.
Not into golf? There are other activities in Tyrone to consider. You can, for instance, watch a show at the Legacy Theatre. Musicals, seasonal productions, and more for all ages are performed throughout the year. Tickets for the Legacy Theatre can be purchased online. Another place of interest is the Tyrone Museum, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, you can immerse yourself in Tyrone’s heritage as you view a sizable model train display of the town and other local relics.
Plus, there’s more to experience in Fayette County. Nearby Peachtree City has over 100 miles of paths leading to shops, food, and resorts. Meanwhile, Fairburn, Atlanta’s fast-growing suburb with a charming downtown, is a short drive away from Tyrone as well, located in Fulton County. Tyrone, which is close to Interstate 85 and is 20 minutes away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), does not have any hotels. However, if you’re passing through and need a place to stay, there are a few listings for charming Southern homes and guest suites in town on Airbnb.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia couple spots black bear on their front porch
-
Rhode Island5 minutes agoRhode Island couple returns from Florida trip with with surprise newborn
-
South-Carolina11 minutes agoNon-native blue land crab sightings across the South Carolina coast
-
South Dakota17 minutes ago
SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for July 17, 2026
-
Tennessee23 minutes agoTennessee woman arrested after allegedly trying to drown one of her children in backyard pool
-
Texas29 minutes agoHow a man once ordered to pay libel damages helped launch an investigation into Islamic private schools
-
Utah35 minutes agoUtah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Summer League recap and final score
-
Vermont41 minutes ago
VT Lottery Mega Millions, Gimme 5 results for July 17, 2026
-
Virginia47 minutes agoMaryland, Virginia elections officials push back on Trump assertion that system is ‘broken’ – WTOP News