Ex-Fla. GOP chairman charged with felony theft

By MIKE SCHNEIDER, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 8:55 a.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida has been arrested for allegedly running a scam bilking money from the party.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement took Jim Greer into custody Wednesday at his Orlando-area home. Florida statewide prosecutor William Shepherd says the 47-year-old Greer has been charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud, four counts of felony grand theft and one count of money laundering.

Greer resigned in February after reports surfaced that he used party funds on ritzy hotels, gourmet restaurants and private jets.

His steep descent from party chairman to pariah could drag down Gov. Charlie Crist's bid for U.S. Senate. The two are longtime allies, and Crist backed Greer until the day he stepped down.

Greer's attorney did not immediately return telephone and e-mail messages seeking comment.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The Associated Press has withdrawn its story about the arrest of former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer. Greer was charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud, not six.

The AP

(This version CORRECTS that Greer was charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud, not six.)

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