A former treasurer of the Tennessee Tech Kappa Sigma Alumni Association has been indicted after investigators determined he misappropriated more than $214,000 from the organization.
James Nathan Hargis, who served as the association’s treasurer from approximately February 2017 until Sept. 15, 2025, was indicted by a Putnam County grand jury on Sept. 28, 2026, on one count of theft over $60,000, according to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
An investigation by the Comptroller’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation found that Hargis diverted association money into personal accounts using multiple bank accounts and an instant check-cashing account. Investigators determined he used some of the money for personal expenses, including sports wagering and personal debts.
The investigation found that at least $189,418.71 was taken from the association’s bank account. Another $17,500 came from rent payments made by undergraduate fraternity members, while $7,210.52 came from donations, dues, golf tournament registration fees and other collections from alumni and donors.
Investigators determined Hargis repaid or personally covered $160,079.51 in association expenses. However, $54,049.72 remained unrecovered.
The alleged misappropriation also left several bills unpaid, including maintenance, insurance and tax expenses related to the fraternity house, as well as bills associated with charity golf tournaments.
The TTU Kappa Sigma Alumni Association supports alumni of the fraternity chapter at Tennessee Tech and owns and maintains a fraternity house used by undergraduate members.
Hargis also faces additional theft charges related to separate matters, according to the Comptroller’s Office.
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