WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, is expected to plead guilty as early as Friday to at least one criminal charge in an election-year congressional corruption investigation, Republican officials said Thursday night. Ney has consistently denied all wrongdoing. He announced earlier this summer he would not seek re-election, a step he took reluctantly and at the prodding of party leaders fearful of the loss of his seat.
The Republican officials who described the legal developments said they did not know whether Ney intended to resign his seat in the House. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of pending legal proceedings.
Calls to Ney's congressional office were not immediately returned. The Justice Department declined comment.
The Republican officials said they were not certain whether Ney intended to admit guilt to more than one charge.
It was not clear precisely what offense would be involved in any plea agreement, although one official said Ney would admit to having filed a false disclosure report with the House of Representatives.
