WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, is expected to plead guilty as early as today to at least one criminal charge in an election-year congressional corruption investigation, Republican officials said Thursday night.

Ney, who has close ties with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, consistently has 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.

The Republican officials also said they were not certain whether Ney intended to admit guilt to more than one charge.