In one other unhealthy 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 means of a team-backed audit, a number of league sources advised The Athletic.”
Daniel Jones reportedly got here underneath scrutiny after submitting a fee request to the group’s accounting division earlier this yr. 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 respectable on the time, coinciding with the Hawks’ journey to the town for the NBA Cup semifinals, and the fee was authorized.
Nevertheless, federal prosecutors later stated 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 through which Jones siphoned cash from the franchise throughout his almost 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 group’s American Categorical accounts to fund a lavish life-style. With authority to subject and approve fees, 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 vital lengths to hide his actions, altering monetary information, forging emails to legitimize bills, and misclassifying his private fees as team-related prices. He’s now going through 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 legal professional didn’t reply to requests for remark.
READ MORE: Ja Morant’s Future in Memphis Clouded After Newest Suspension
