Beyond Manatee, June 3

BRADENTON -- Ex-Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer was arrested at his Oviedo mansion yesterday morning. Greer was taken into custody on corruption charges, alleging he has taken at least $125,000 in party funds. A grand jury indicted the former chair on six felony counts of grand theft, money laundering and running an organized scheme to defraud. If convicted, he faces up to 75 years in prison.

Greer, who became party chair in 2007, was handpicked by Governor Crist. He was pressured to resign, shortly after endorsing Crist over Marco Rubio in the Republican primary. The use of party credit cards by Republican politicians and staffers for lavish incidentals had drawn attention and in February it was reported that Greer may have made improper transactions with a company called Victory Strategies. It is alleged that Greer had devised a scheme to divert donations to the party into an account for the shell company, to be used for personal expenses.

Kathleen King, Chairman of the Manatee County Republican Party issued the following statement:

Dear MCREC Members:

I  am as disappointed as you are to learn about the findings of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and today's announced arrest of former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Jim Greer.

This is a complicated situation that may get worse and involve more individuals.

As we learn the truth about the allegations that have been swirling about for months, know the RPOF is currently operating with transparency and fiscal integrity.

Also know the RPOF is and will remain fully compliant with all investigative agencies.

The state of the RPOF remains strong under the leadership of Chairman John Thrasher.

May God Bless us all, and, May God Bless the Republican Party.

Warm Regards,

Chairman Kathleen King