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Former Republican State Party Chairman Jim Greer is facing six felony charges for how he spent political contributions. Greer used his position as head of the party to hire a consulting firm he co-owned, collecting thousands in campaign cash. As Whitney Ray tells us, Greer was arrested this morning.

Jim Greer was forced to resign as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida in February. Wednesday morning the police came knocking.

Greer was arrested for funneling campaign cash to a consulting firm he co-owned. Charges steaming from the insider deal include money laundering and grand theft.

Governor Charlie Crist picked Greer to head the party in 2007, defending his appointee until he stepped down. Shortly after the arrest, Crist expressed his dismay.

“It’s disappointing and surprising. I have faith in our judicial system; I know they will handle it appropriately,” said Crist.

Greer’s replacement, John Thrasher, at the Republican Party of Florida says the arrest will help the party get past the scandal.

“I think it vindicates us as to what we did when we got here in terms of looking into the books, seeing the problems that existed, and doing the things our members requested of us to do,” said Thrasher.

Florida Democrat Chairwoman Karen Thurman says Greer’s arrest is just the beginning. There’s still more than three million dollars in questionable credit card charges made by Republican lawmakers.

“There’s still the FBI and the IRS that are going to look at the credit card activity and to what level will that rise to being criminal activity as well,” said Thurman.

And any charges stemming from the credit card charges could complicate this election season for the GOP.

Former RPOF Executive Director Delmar Johnson was co-owner in the company in question. No charges have been filed against Johnson at this time. Prosecutors say he’s cooperating with the investigation.