The Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. Ä The former head of a Baptist college Ä hired mainly for his financial acumen Ä was indicted Wednesday on charges of embezzling more than $1 million to pay for prostitutes and personal investments.
Lewis Nobles Jr., who resigned as president of Mississippi College last year, claims the missing money went to aid needy students.
The indictment claims Nobles stole $1.2 million over the last five years.
Nobles was hired in 1968 for his financial skill and fund-raising ability, and was told he had "broad authority" with the school's money, said Nobles' attorney, Amy Whitten.
Nobles is to appear before a federal judge on Thursday. Whitten said he would fight the charges.
In a civil lawsuit, the school is seeking about $3 million the school board claims is missing.
The indictment, limited to only the last five years activity, charges Nobles with mail fraud, money laundering, income tax evasion, enticing women to travel across states lines for sexual conduct and forfeiture of assets.