A Putnam County Grand Jury indicted the former treasurer of the Tennessee Tech Kappa Sigma Alumni Association for misappropriating more than $214,000 from the organization.
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office said James Nathan Hargis served as the treasurer from February 2017 until his removal in September 2025. The alumni association maintains a fraternity house for undergraduate members and supports alumni of the chapter at Tennessee Tech.
The press release said Hargis used multiple bank accounts and an instant check cashing account to divert $214,129.23 into personal accounts for sports wagering and personal debts. The misappropriation included $189,418.71 from the association bank account, $17,500 in rent payments from undergraduate members, and $7,210.52 in collections from alumni and donors.
Investigators determined Hargis repaid or personally covered $160,079.51 in expenses, leaving $54,049.72 unrecovered. The actions left several bills unpaid for fraternity house maintenance, insurance, and taxes, along with costs associated with charity golf tournaments.
Hargis was indicted on September 28, 2026, for one count of theft over $60,000. He also faces additional theft charges related to separate matters.