Jim Greer

James Greer (born June 8, 1962) is an American politician and businessman, serving from 2006 to 2010 as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Previously, Greer served as Deputy Mayor of Oviedo, Fla., worked as a lobbyist in Tallahassee for the restaurant and hotel industry and was President/CEO from 1984 to 2007 of a Nationwide company called Regulatory Compliance Services Inc. Greer also served as a member of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the RNC standing committee on rules. His community service includes serving as President of the Rotary Club and as a board member the Chamber of Commerce.[1]

Closely associated with Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Greer resigned from his office as Chairman and other positions within the state party following a number of controversies involving party finances and spending behavior by state elected officials.[2] Greer was arrested on June 2, 2010 after being indicted on six felony charges: organized scheme to defraud, money laundering, and four counts of grand theft [3] Prosecutors alleged that Greer, while chair of the Florida GOP, schemed to take money, over $100,000 from the party through a fundraising company he created, Victory Strategies LLC,.[3] The Orlando Sentinel further noted that, "The contract for Victory Strategies to take over major donor fundraising was withheld from top GOP finance officials." While much evidence supported Greer's claim that Governor Crist and other top party and political leader's had known of his fundraising contract, Greer choose to end the trial and surprised many by pleading guilty in 2013. By pleading guilty to the charges Greer saved the Republican Party and many top political leaders the embarrassment of a trial.[3]

Court and sentencing

After three year's since his arrest, Greer pleaded guilty to theft and money laundering charges on Feb. 11, 2013 and was sentenced on March 27, 2013 to 18 months in prison in which he would serve 15 months. Greer said "He did it for his wife Lisa and 5 kids and to put the matter behind him". [4]

References

  1. ↑ Rene Stutzman (Apr 17, 2010). "The Rise and Fall of Florida GOP Head Jim Greer". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  2. ↑ John Kennedy News Service of Florida (Apr 25, 2010). "Florida GOP Cuts Last Ties With Greer". sunshinestatenews.com. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Amy L. Edwards, Aaron Deslatte and Rene Stutzman (2 June 2010). "Ex-Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer indicted on charges of grand theft, money laundering". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  4. ↑ "Jim Greer sentenced to 18 months in prison Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2013/03/jim-greer-sentenced-to-18-months-in-prison.html#storylink=cpy". Miami Herald. Retrieved 27 March 2013.