Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury investigators released two separate investigative reports today detailing major financial misconduct involving officials in Putnam and Carter counties.

TTU Kappa Sigma Treasurer Indicted for $214K Embezzlement

State investigators revealed that former Tennessee Technological University Kappa Sigma Alumni Association treasurer James “Jamie” Hargis diverted at least $214,129.23 in organization funds between 2020 and 2025.

According to the audit, Hargis utilized 10 personal bank accounts and a check-cashing service to misappropriate dues, rent payments, donations, and golf-tournament fees for personal expenses, including sports wagering and debt payments. Auditors uncovered 18 bounced checks totaling $63,300, unpaid insurance and tax bills, and $7,600 in missing golf-tournament revenue. After accounting for partial repayments and expenses covered by Hargis, $54,049.72 remains unrecovered.

On September 28, 2026, a Putnam County Grand Jury indicted Hargis on one count of Theft over $60,000. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Siam Utility District Manager Indicted Over $98K in Unauthorized Payments

In a separate report, investigators found that former Siam Utility District office manager Royce Gentry issued $98,340.53 in unauthorized and questionable payments to himself between 2023 and 2025.

The investigation determined that Gentry wrote two unapproved leave-balance checks totaling $24,364.15 on the day he abruptly resigned, utilizing pre-signed blank checks left by commissioners. Additionally, Gentry claimed 2,012 hours of unsupported overtime worth $73,976.38, violating utility policies that restricted overtime strictly to emergency repairs. Timecard reviews exposed altered entries, missing breaks, and a total lack of supervisory approval.

The report highlighted severe internal control failures within the district, citing the use of pre-signed blank checks, deficient reconciliation practices, unreliable timekeeping, and absent written policies. A Carter County Grand Jury indicted Gentry on September 10, 2026, on charges of Theft over $60,000, Theft over $10,000, and two counts of Official Misconduct. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.