MTSU professor was charged with theft and misconduct in the financial scandal

Nashville, Tenn. (WZTV) – A professor of Middle Tennessee State University was charged after a joint examination by the TBI and the Tennessee Compotroller office for embezzling university funds and donations.

An investigation by the suspect, Professor Don Hong, revolved around Hong's participation in the program of the courageous science of MTSU and examined financial transactions from January 2020 to February 2025.

After an internal examination by MTSU, several questionable transactions were discovered. The investigators claim that Professor Hong donated at least $ 8,225.48 of donations to the university. Hong had encouraged the students to donate to support the insurance mathematical science program, but according to the TBI, these funds were redirected to his bank account instead of inserting the funds managed by the university.

Although Hong later transferred some donations to the university, he was unable to hand over at least 8,225.48 US dollars. After the investigation, Hong gave the university an additional 11,700 US dollar.

The investigation also resulted in more concerns about the behavior of the professor. Investigators believe that he has used a false identity and a fictional company name to rent his rental objects to international students, which were hired by the university financed by the university.

Hong also received cash from students for the airport transport, which he applied for as reimbursable costs of MTSU. The investigators also say that he accepted questionable payments from students and used student work to his own advantage.

Hong is also accused of not reporting a student's assertion of violence after he had made aware of. He seemed to be recipient against a student who had reported his misconduct by submitting an anonymous tips of academic misconduct using a fictional identity associated with his personal data.

The Grand Jury of Rutherford County has charged Hong for several charges, including:

• Theft of real estate 60,000 to 250,000 US dollars
• Criminal simulation 60,000 to 250,000 US dollars
• Fake $ 60,000 or more
• Theft of real estate 2,500 to 10,000 US dollars
• Remote for previous measures
• Official misconduct
• Official oppression

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