Former Fla. GOP Chief pleads guilty before trial

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Former Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer pleaded guilty to theft and money laundering just before jury selection in his criminal trial got under way.

Jury selection was set to begin Monday, but neither Greer nor prosecutors appeared in the courtroom. The only sign of Greer's presence in the Orange County Courthouse was his wife and infant daughter.

Greer had earlier pleaded not guilty to allegations that he funneled almost $200,000 of party money into a company he had formed with his right-hand man.

Greer says party leaders were aware of the company and that his prosecution was political payback. Sentencing is March 27 and he faces up to 35 years in prison.

Read more: Headaches for Fla. GOP ahead in ex-chief's trial

 

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JIM GREER TRIAL

Tawdry allegations may emerge in criminal trial of former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer

Former Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer goes on trial in Orlando on money laundering and grand theft charges, but a Bahamas golf trip with reported prostitutes could draw more attention.

By LUCY MORGAN
Tampa Bay Times Senior Correspondent

TALLAHASSEE -- They headed for Marsh Harbour Airport in the Bahamas, most of them on private planes owned by billionaire Harry Sargeant III, then the finance chairman of the Florida Republican Party.

The weekend trip began on Friday Jan. 11, 2008, for a select group of Floridians -maybe 20 or so - who helped raise money for a constitutional amendment that would increase homestead exemptions.

Those who attended have differing memories of how many were there or what occurred, and no one is very anxious to talk to a reporter about the gathering.

Perhaps it's the accusation of a golf cart filled with prostitutes that scares them away.

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TALLAHASSEE: Tawdry allegations may emerge in criminal trial of former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer - Florida - MiamiHerald.com

former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer