TALLAHASSEE -- The special investigator hired by the Florida House of Representatives to investigate Rep. Ray Sansom's dealings with a Panhandle college has concluded that there is probable cause that the former speaker of the House violated House rules and could be sanctioned.

Attorney Steve Kahn wrote in his 79-page report that Sansom damaged the ''faith and integrity'' of the Florida House when he directed $6 million in state education money to purchase an airport building at Northwest Florida State College. Kahn said the building was designed to benefit Sansom's friend Jay Odom, and noted that Sansom then took a six-figure job with the college in which he would oversee the use of the money.

Kahn's conclusions, technically as a ''statement of alleged violation'' under House rules, set up a formal legislative review of Sansom that could result in sanctions against Snsom, who resigned as speaker in January. Sanctions could range from a reprimand to dismissal from office.

Sansom, a Destin Republican, was indicted by a Leon County Grand Jury and charged with official misconduct and perjury in April. He is accused of steering millions of state dollars to a the college and then accepting the six-figure job.

House Speaker Larry Cretul announced a panel that will investigate the charges. The panel will include Reps. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, chair, Faye Culp, R-Tampa; Joe Gibbons, D-Hallandale Beach, Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, and Ari Porth, D-Coral Springs.

''This is obviously something that's very painful for the House,'' said Rep. J.C. Planas, R-Miami. ``Ray Sansom is a friend and a colleague. We have to just look at the facts. It stinks, but we have to look at what was done.''

Kahn, a former Senate general counsel, was appointed by House Speaker Larry Cretul to investigate an ethics complaint filed against Sansom by Susan Smith of Odessa. Smith said Sansom violated House rules by taking a $110,0000 job at Northwest Florida State College on the same day he was sworn in as speaker.

Kahn said that because of the ongoing criminal investigation, many potential witnesses refused to be interviewed by him. He was also told by the Florida Senate that no senators would be allowed to be interviewed for the investigation. Kahn said he believes some of them thought Kahn ``was merely trying to embarrass specific members or staff of the Florida Senate.'' Staff writer Mary Ellen Klas contributed to this report.

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