Charlie Crist Is Close Associate Of Fla. Republican Party Chairman Arrested For Fraud

Jillian Bandes | June 02, 2010 4:27 PM

Former Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was arrested on four counts of felony grand theft and one each of organized scheme to defraud and money laundering. Greer was given his chairman position by

Charlie Crist, who now has a lot of explaining to do about his support and endorsement of Greer, if he is indeed found guilty of the charges.

A state prosecutor outlined his scheme to create a shell company and defraud the Republican Party of at least $100,000. Greer, who faces up to 75 years in prison, says he has done nothing wrong. Democrats were quick to highlight Crist's close friendship and frequent defenses of Greer, who resigned his position in January, before the charges ever came to light.

Authorities won't say whether Crist is being investigated as well.