GREELEY, Colo. (AP) – The former head of the Larimer County GOP faces criminal charges for allegedly misspending money.

The Coloradoan in Fort Collins reports that Larry Carillo has been charged with one count of theft between $1,000 and $20,000. Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck investigated the case and issued the charge Tuesday.

The current head of the Larimer GOP, Tom Lucero, told party members in an email last month that Carillo used a party debit card to make ATM withdrawals. Lucero said that some of the withdrawals were at casinos.

Carillo has denied using party money improperly.

The Coloradoan reports the violations could cost the county party more than $200,000 in fines because they appear to violate state campaign finance laws.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)