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 response to an indictment introduced final week by the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace for the Northern District of Georgia. Proof of his alleged crimes was uncovered via a team-backed audit, a number of league sources informed The Athletic.”
Daniel Jones reportedly got here below scrutiny after submitting a cost request to the crew’s accounting division earlier this yr. In January, Jones allegedly requested for the group to cowl a $229,968.76 American Specific cost for what he claimed was a team-related keep on the Wynn Lodge in Las Vegas.
The expense appeared reliable on the time, coinciding with the Hawks’ journey to the town for the NBA Cup semifinals, and the cost was authorised.
Nonetheless, federal prosecutors later mentioned the resort 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 during 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 presents, The Athletic says.
Prosecutors declare Jones exploited his management over the crew’s American Specific accounts to fund a lavish life-style. With authority to situation 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 concert events and different high-end occasions.
Federal authorities additional allege Jones went to vital lengths to hide his actions, altering monetary data, forging emails to legitimize bills, and misclassifying his private fees 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.
READ MORE: Ja Morant’s Future in Memphis Clouded After Newest Suspension
