From Social Scenes to Courtrooms: Investors Say Former Hawks Assistant’s Pitches Left Them Empty-Handed

ATLANTA, GA — What began as casual conversations over drinks at restaurants and cigar lounges has spiraled into a series of lawsuits and allegations from investors who say a former NBA player and Atlanta Hawks assistant coach promised big returns but never paid them back.

Several people told investigators that Tyrone Hill approached them in social settings, striking up friendly conversations before introducing investment opportunities he described as paths to “generational wealth.” Those opportunities, they allege, resulted in significant financial losses — collectively topping $1 million.

Victims and their attorneys told mdia outlets that Hill used his background and business connections to build trust, then encouraged investments in ventures that failed to deliver returns.

“I sat down, had a drink, and we started talking about investments,” said Katrina Stuart, who said she invested $10,000 after Hill promised $16,000 within six months. According to Stuart, the money never came. She later confronted Hill at a Forest Park warehouse and eventually recovered only $5,000 from a business partner.
“I just want my money — what he owes me,” she said.

Another investor, Ashley Madison, said Hill claimed to own a company servicing airports and persuaded him to loan $35,000 to support a grease trap business, EMC Clean Energy LLC. The company had been contracted to service restaurants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Madison said the loan has not been repaid.

“As a grown man, he asked me to look in a bank account for money he knew he hadn’t sent,” Madison said.

Two women who reported the largest losses asked not to be identified. One said Hill failed to return more than $80,000 from her father’s inheritance, prompting her to file a lawsuit. Another said she and a business partner invested more than $1 million and received just $30,000 back.

Court records reveal at least one lawsuit seeking more than $1 million. An attorney for one plaintiff said Hill has paid only a small portion of what he owes. Another alleged victim said Hill has been named in multiple civil suits. “At that point, you’re just getting in line,” she said.

Hill has denied intentionally deceiving investors. He maintained that his company is legitimate and said disputes over unpaid investments should be resolved in court.
“I’m not trying to deceive anyone,” he said. “If things work out, I would pay them.”

Hill’s attorney issued a statement saying: “This matter involves private business disputes that are being addressed through the appropriate legal channels. On advice of counsel, Davis Law Group-Trial Attorneys, Mr. Hill will not be providing any further comment or interviews at this time.”

City officials confirmed that in 2025, Hill — through one of his companies — was removed as a subcontractor from an airport project due to improper disposal of grease.

Legal experts say cases like these are typically handled as civil disputes unless prosecutors can establish intent to defraud — meaning the money was never meant to be repaid. Several of the alleged victims tsaud they hope coming forward publicly will draw the attention of law enforcement and prevent others from losing money.