ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The trial of former Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer has gotten off to a slow start.
Jury selection was supposed to begin Monday. But an hour after the scheduled start, neither Greer nor prosecutors had appeared in the courtroom in Orlando.
The only sign of Greer's presence in the Orange County Courthouse were his wife and infant daughter.
Greer is facing theft, fraud and money laundering charges. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors say Greer funneled almost $200,000 of party money into a company he had formed with his right-hand man.
Greer says party leaders were aware of the company and that his prosecution is political payback.