Former state GOP chairman Jim Greer pleads guilty to theft, money laundering

[mfcorey1]

ORLANDO -- After two weeks of behind-the-scenes wrangling, former GOP party chairman Jim Greer walked into court Monday morning and pleaded guilty to theft and money laundering charges that could put him behind bars for 3 and 1/2 years.

Greer responded “guilty your honor’’ to charges he stole and laundered GOP campaign contributions through a company he created, Victory Strategies. He declined to talk with a crowd of reporters as he left the courtroom.

The plea, which came moments before jury selection was set to begin, ends the prospects of a two-week trial that promised testimony from former Gov. Charlie Crist and a who’s who of Republican politicians.

Statewide prosecutor Nick Cox said Greer’s plea was not the result of a deal. Cox will recommend that Greer serve the full 3 and 1/2 years at his March 27 sentencing.

Attempts to reach agreement on a plea languished for months until Jacksonville defense attorney Hank Coxe stepped into the case and pushed for a settlement. Prosecutors said they do not know who hired Coxe, who was present in the courtroom but did not speak. Contacted later, Coxe said Greer hired him. Greer has frequently said the prolonged criminal case has left him broke and unable to find a job.


Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/11/3228314/former-republican-party-of-florida.html#storylink=cpy

[HooptieWagon]

1. I wonder how much the FlGOP paid him?

He was in deep financial trouble. I think he took a payoff, even risking jail, so wife and kids could keep home. The FlGOP did NOT want him pulling skeletons and dirty laundry out of the closet...even if there was ammunition for them to use against Crist.